HAILAKANDI, May 18 � Barak Upatyaka Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sanmilan has reiterated its demand to ensure the interests of the people of Barak Valley during the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA)-Centre peace talk. The sanmilan has also decided to start a movement in this regard from this month. An official of the Sanmilan informed that they will observe dharna programme infront of Deputy Commissioner offices in Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi districts of Barak Valley on May 29 for the fulfillment of their three point charter of demands. Besides ULFA-Centre peace talk, the two other demands are constitution of a separate autonomous economic council for Barak Valley and the inclusion of Suterkandi in the proposed Indo-Bangladesh transit route. All the district committees have been informed regarding the dharna and it will be observed at the same time in front of DCs office and will also submit a memorandum mentioning their demands.
The official of the sanmilan also informed that they had earlier sent a memorandum in this regard to the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh and other top leaders and Dr. Singh has already requested the former speaker of Lok Sabha, Somnath Chatterjee to look into their demands in consultation with the concerned departments.
Welcoming the peace talk initiative with the ULFA, the official strongly said that they will not tolerate any anti-people decisions during the peace talk. The people of Barak Valley will react strongly if any such steps are taken by the Centre. He also demanded the inclusion of a representative from Barak Valley in the peace talk panel. Besides he strongly demanded the constitution of a separate autonomous economic council for the people of Barak valley for the speedy socio-economic development of the area.
Regarding the inclusion of Suterkandi in the Indo-Bangla transit route, he said that the economic condition of the valley would change drastically if the area is connected with Bangladesh and unemployment problem would also be minimised. He urged all the people of Barak Valley irrespective of caste, creed and religion to extend their support towards this movement in the greater interest of the people of the locality.
