BDF Demands Renaming of Silchar Railway Station as ‘Bhasha Shahid Station’ Before May 19

Silchar, 8th May, 2025: The Barak Democratic Front (BDF) has renewed its long-standing demand to rename the Silchar railway station as “Bhasha Shahid Station” in honour of the martyrs of the 1961 Language Movement. With May 19 approaching—the anniversary of the day when 11 Bengali language protesters were martyred during a peaceful demonstration—BDF is urging the government to make the renaming official without further delay.

BDF chief convenor Pradip Dutta Roy informed that a formal letter has been submitted to the Prime Minister, Railway Minister, and other relevant authorities reiterating this demand. Roy highlighted that the Silchar railway station holds deep emotional and historical value for the people of Barak Valley, being the site from where the bodies of the language martyrs were taken home in 1961.

He stressed that this is not merely a symbolic act but a long-overdue honour that reflects the collective memory and sacrifice of an entire region. “If Shimla can have a ‘Shaheed Station’ and Jharkhand can name places after movement leaders, why not Silchar, where 11 lives were lost for the dignity of mother tongue?” he asked.

Citing the Union government’s initiative to rename stations and public spaces across the country to honour regional and national icons, Roy appealed for a similar gesture in Barak Valley. BDF emphasized that renaming the station before May 19 would be a fitting tribute to the language martyrs and serve as a moral victory for the people of the valley.

In a press statement, BDF also urged local MLAs, MPs, and elected representatives from Silchar, Udharbond, Katigorah, Dholai, and other nearby constituencies to support the cause and approach higher authorities. The letter noted that the renaming would resonate with millions across Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, and the Bengali diaspora.

The organization has pledged to launch a stronger public campaign if the renaming is not announced before May 19, marking the anniversary with symbolic actions and peaceful protests to keep the memory and message of the language martyrs alive.

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