FIR Filed Against Professor Prasanta Chakraborty by BDF and BNS Over ‘Spineless’ Remark

SILCHAR, June 10, 2025 — In a significant development reverberating across Barak Valley, the Barak Democratic Front (BDF) and Barak Nabanirman Sena (BNS) formally lodged a First Information Report (FIR) on Tuesday evening against Professor Prasanta Chakraborty, General Secretary of the Bangla Sahitya Sabha. The complaint at Silchar Sadar Police Station stems from alleged derogatory remarks made by Prof. Chakraborty, including labeling the people of Barak Valley as “spineless” and contentious comments regarding the origins of Assam University.

The controversy ignited following a statement by Professor Chakraborty at Assam University, where he reportedly asserted that the institution was a “result of the Assam Andolan.” This remark, perceived as historically inaccurate and dismissive of the region’s unique struggles and aspirations, sparked widespread resentment and “chaos in the entire Barak Valley,” according to the BDF. The situation was further inflamed when, during the same event, Professor Chakraborty allegedly referred to the people of Barak Valley as “spineless” and failed to conclude his statement.

Speaking to the press, Joydeep Chakraborty, spokesperson for the BDF’s Media Cell, articulated the groups’ grievances and their decision to pursue legal action. “After coming to Assam University, General Secretary of Bangla Sahitya Sabha Prof. Prasanta Chakraborty stated that Assam University was a result of the Assam Andolan. This comment led to chaos in the entire Barak Valley. Furthermore, after this contentious remark, he went on to call the people of Barak Valley ‘spineless’ and did not even conclude his statement,” Mr. Chakraborty stated.

The BDF had initially urged Professor Chakraborty to issue an apology, suggesting his comments might have been an error or made in a moment of anger. “We, from BDF, demanded that he should apologize to the people of Barak Valley if he had mistakenly said that or in an angry mind. We waited for one month, hoping for an apology, but nothing happened from his side,” explained the spokesperson.

The protracted silence from Professor Chakraborty’s end ultimately compelled both the BDF and BNS to jointly file the FIR. Mr. Chakraborty underscored the consistency in their approach to defending the dignity of the region. “Earlier also, when someone from Brahmaputra Valley had commented such things, we had filed an FIR, and this time also, we have acted similarly. We are hopeful that the police will take appropriate action,” he added, emphasizing a precedent for their legal recourse against perceived affronts to the community.

The lodging of the FIR signals a serious escalation in the ongoing dispute, placing the matter firmly in the hands of law enforcement and highlighting the deep-seated sentiments concerning regional identity and historical narratives within the Barak Valley. The police are expected to initiate an investigation into the matter following the formal complaint.

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