- Bihu troupe assaulted in Sribhumi during Durga Puja immersion.
- Attackers objected to Assamese songs.
- The incident reignites linguistic tensions in Assam's Barak Valley.
A fresh row has erupted in Assam after a Bihu troupe invited to perform at a Durga Puja celebration in Sribhumi (formerly Karimganj) was allegedly assaulted during the immersion procession on October 23. A total of 17 youths have been arrested in the case so far.
According to India Today, the 11-member group had been invited to perform at a Durga Puja immersion procession in the Bengali-majority town in the southern Barak Valley. What was supposed to be a cultural celebration ended in bloodshed after some youths allegedly objected to Assamese songs being played.
The performers were beaten with sticks, their traditional instruments smashed or snatched away.
The victims allege that the attackers identified themselves as Bajrang Dal members and chanted "Jai Shri Ram" while beating them with sticks. However, the Bajrang Dal has denied any association with the accused, reported HT.
Seven dancers were left with serious injuries, including broken teeth and external and internal wounds. The troupe included four women and seven men from nearby villages.
"They were chanting Jai Shri Ram while attacking us. Aren't we Hindus? We worship Ram as well," one of the injured dancers told the media.
In response to the allegations, Bajrang Dal's Sribhumi wing secretary Mahesh Bhattacharjee said on Monday that the accused youths were not members of the outfit.
He said, "There is a trend: whenever such incidents happen, the attackers use the name of Bajrang Dal and chant Jai Shri Ram. This gives them an initial advantage because of the name, but we strongly oppose it."
The attack has sparked anger across Assam. Bihu, a folk dance, is among Assam's most visible cultural symbols.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called it "deeply disturbing and unfortunate" and ordered strict action. Student organisations in Assam have also demanded punishment for those responsible.
In a post on X, CM Sarma wrote, "The news of an attack on a Bihu troupe in Sribhumi is deeply disturbing and unfortunate. Bihu is the soul of Assam, our pride and our identity. We will never tolerate any insult to our culture and heritage. I have directed the DGPAssamPolice to ensure immediate action against those responsible."
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FIR Registered
Police have registered an FIR under attempt to murder, criminal intimidation and disturbing communal harmony under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Of the 17 youths arrested so far, 13 have reportedly secured bail while four more were arrested later.
This is not the first time there has been a linguistic rift in Assam. The incident has reopened old wounds in Barak Valley. Unlike the Assamese-majority Brahmaputra Valley, the three districts of Barak Valley, which include Cachar, Hailakandi and Sribhumi, are predominantly Bengali-speaking.
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In 1960, when Assam made Assamese the official language, which triggered state-wise protest as Bengali speakers agitated, fearing loss of their identity. On May 19, 1961, police opened fire on language protesters at Silchar railway station, killing 11 people. The movement secured official recognition for Bengali in Barak Valley.
The latest episode has reignited the issue.