www.krctimes.comwww.northeastintegrationrally.inwww.krcfoundation.orgKRC SUNDAY TIMESE-Membership MagazineAGulfWarThatMayNotEndQuicklyDemandforSTStatusforMeiteisGainsAttentionAmidDebateonConstitutionalSafeguardsSundaySpecial8March2026thWill Bangladesh Move Awayfrom Anti-India Rhetoric?\"War in the Gulf: Iran- Israel -US Conflict: Its GlobalEconomic Consequences andIndia’s Strategic Role\"NEIR Collaborates withNEZCC for Madhya DakshiniFestival 2026 in Meghalaya
NEIR Collaborates withNEZCC for MadhyaDakshini Festival 2026 inMeghalayaTable of ContentsBDFWrites OpenLetter to PM Aheadof BarakValley Visit,Raises Key Issues\"War in the Gulf:Iran- Israel - USConflict: Its GlobalEconomicConsequences andIndia’s StrategicRole\"History in making asgovernments draft a legallybinding Treaty for rights ofolder personsSaurabh Kumar Chaliha’s‘Ayurekha’ Showcased at the50th Anniversary CelebrationofAikyatan04-0623-2507-1150-5412-1401 KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineSunday Special8 March 2026thPolitical History of Strugglesand Movements atSreemangal in Bangladesh38-48Demand for ST Status forMeiteis Gains AttentionAmid Debate onConstitutional Safeguards32-33
PhotographersContributing WritersOur ContributorCol (Dr.) AshwaniKumar, MiD, VSM(Retd)\"War in the Gulf: Iran- Israel - USConflict: Its Global EconomicConsequences and India’sStrategic Role\"Editor-in-ChiefBiswadeep GuptaSub EditorBankim SonarContent DirectorSanjeev BaishyaArt DirectionDevv DataaAjit DasPrantik DekaBishorjit Nameirakpamwww.krctimes.comKRC SUNDAYTIMES02Sunzu BachaspatimayumSangram DuttaPradip Dutta Roy Will Bangladesh Move Away fromAnti-India Rhetoric?
Orienting Students to Career Road MapThe Examination for Class X and XII is over for some, and students, parents, schoolsand tutors are all tense to shape their respective stakes. The fierce competition withoneself to achieve good grades and to mark these exams as milestones is healthy andtraditionally considered a benchmark in education.With changing times, perspectives and curriculum are changing, and students areexposed to multiple perspectives and priorities.One of the priority that students and parents needs to take into account is to startdeveloping a roadmap for employment and career development. Just passing theseexaminations with flying colours will not guarantee a successful employment-linkedcareer.We all know the struggle one has to face post-education, mainly graduation, as noready jobs are available and competition is stiff.So parents must seek proper guidance for their wards and help chalk out a career planwith multiple options in sight.Education in India has become a big business, and it is difficult to make the rightchoices when it comes to making a decision. So the children should be exposed to aproper plan of action and make decisions taking into consideration the financial statusof each parent, as well as the family situation they are in.There is a mad rush and peer pressure among the children to follow trends, andparents are subject to pressure from their children as they fail to plan. It is not alwaysa suitable situation for a family to send their wards out of the home for studies byaccepting any offer they get.In fact a due consideration to finance, budget, potential, security, etc., needs a clearconsideration, and one needs to take a judicious decision while making a decision fortheir children.There should prevail an open communication between both parents along with theirchild, and make a poised decision without any emotional angle, but on a logicalconclusion.The children should be very clear about their goals and stick to the commitments givento their parents, as it is about their life and not their parents'. Parents can onlyfacilitate resources, but the real work is to be done by the child.Our education system should also encourage real-time work, career options and helpstudents guide them in curating a path for their upcoming career. Education andacademics are a must, but market readiness, skills and employability index are whatwill matter in the long run.Stay Enriched.From the Editor03Editor-in-ChiefBiswadeep GuptaScan to ConnectKRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine04BDF Writes Open Letter to PMAhead of Barak Valley Visit, RaisesKey IssuesSilchar: The Barak Democratic Front (BDF) has written an open letter tothe Prime Minister ahead of his proposed visit to Barak Valley on March14, welcoming the visit while placing several long-standing demands andconcerns of the region before the central government.In the letter, the organisation extended an advance welcome to the PrimeMinister for visiting Barak Valley, describing the region as thesouthernmost and historically significant part of Assam with a uniquedemographic and cultural identityThe group also pointed out that despite its importance, the valley has longsuffered from neglect and biased policies, resulting in slower socio-economicdevelopment compared to other parts of the country.The BDF expressed hope that the Prime Minister’s visit would address the issueof underdevelopment and lead to the announcement of new projects and policiesfor the region.The letter highlighted unemployment as one of the most pressing concerns in thevalley. According to the organisation, nearly four lakh people are registered asunemployed, while the actual number may be even higher. It said many educatedyouths with graduate and postgraduate degrees are forced to leave the valley insearch of low-paid private jobs or even drive e-rickshaws to support theirfamilies.Correspondence
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine05The organisation also raised the issueof job reservation for local youth inthird and fourth grade stategovernment posts in the valley. Itnoted that although the stategovernment had earlier committed toreserving these jobs for localcandidates and a legislative provisionwas approved by the Assembly, thedecision has not yet beenimplemented.The closure of major public sector enterprises in the region was anotherconcern mentioned in the letter. The Front pointed out that industries suchas the Hindustan Paper Mill at Panchgram were shut down due tonegligence and policy failures. It also said that a previously announcedplan to set up an industrial hub on the abandoned land of the Panchgrampaper mill has not seen any progress so far.The letter further stated that Barak Valley has abundant natural andhuman resources, and proper planning and investment could createemployment opportunities and contribute significantly to the state’seconomy.Transport and communication problems were identified as the secondmajor hurdle to development. The organisation said road and railconnectivity with the rest of the country is frequently disrupted during therainy season because of landslides and floods. While welcoming theproposed fast express highway connecting the valley with Barapani, theFront urged the government to expedite work on the alternative railwayline between Chandranathpur and Lanka.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 06The group also referred to the long-pending East-West Corridor projectconnecting Silchar with Saurashtra, a dream project of former Prime MinisterAtal Bihari Vajpayee. It said that although the state government had earlierannounced that the remaining 30-kilometre stretch in Dima Hasao district wouldbe completed by January this year, no concrete progress has been reported.Flooding was described as another major challenge faced by the valley almostevery year. The organisation suggested that dredging of the Barak River couldoffer a permanent solution.It also noted that after the devastating floods of 2022, the state government hadpromised to improve the drainage systems in Silchar and Karimganj towns andrepair embankments along the Barak River. However, the letter claimed that onlyaround 30 percent of the work has been completed so far.Among other demands, the Front reiterated the long-standing demandfor a bench of the Guwahati High Court in Barak Valley to reduce thedifficulties faced by people who currently have to travel to Guwahatifor legal matters.The letter also raised the demand to rename Silchar Railway Station as “BhashaShahid Station” in memory of the eleven language martyrs who sacrificed theirlives during the language movement. The organisation stated that the proposalhas already received approval from the Union Home Ministry and the RailwayMinistry, and only a formal communication from the state government regardingthe script of the name in three languages is required to finalise the process.Expressing hope for positive steps, the Barak Democratic Front urged the PrimeMinister to consider these long-pending issues and announce measures thatwould help the region move towards progress and prosperity.The letter was signed by BDF Chief Convener Pradip Dutta Roy, along withconveners Hrishikesh Dey, Joydeep Bhattacharjee (Media Cell), Ainul HoqueMajumder, Debayan Deb, Haradhan Dutta, and Khaidem Kanta Singh.
\"War in the Gulf: Iran- Israel -US Conflict: Its GlobalEconomic Consequences andIndia’s Strategic Role\"KRC SUNDAYTIMES: E-MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINE 07The escalating confrontation involving Iran, Israel,and the United States is rapidly transforming froma regional military crisis into a potential globaleconomic shock. Wars in the Middle East rarelyremain confined to battlefields. Their consequencesripple outward through oil markets, shipping lanes,financial systems, and geopolitical alignmentsaffecting economies across continents.Economic consequences belong to theentire worldCol (Dr.) Ashwani Kumar,M-in-D, VSM (Retd)Financial Markets and InvestorBehaviourTrade, Shipping, and Supply ChainsThe Impact on Developing EconomiesIndia’s Strategic Role as a StabilisingActorThe Risk of a Wider Regional WarToday, the world is witnessing not merely amilitary confrontation but the unfolding of astrategic crisis with the potential to reshapeglobal energy security, economic stability, andinternational diplomacy. In an interconnectedworld, the consequences of such conflictstravel far beyond the region in which theyoriginate.A Rivalry Decades in the MakingStrategic Geography: The EnergyArtery of the World.Oil Markets: The Immediate ShockwaveInflation and the Global EconomicDomino Effect
08 KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineA Rivalry Decades in the MakingThe tensions between Iran and Israel canbe traced back to the Iranian Revolutionof 1979. The revolution replaced Iran’spro-Western monarchy with an Islamicrepublic whose leadership adopted aconfrontational stance toward Israel andthe United States. Over the followingdecades, the rivalry intensified aroundseveral key issues as under:-Iran’s nuclear programme, Israel’s securityconcerns, and Tehran’s growing influencein regional conflicts through allied groupsoperating across Syria, Iraq, Lebanon,and Yemen.The United States, as Israel’s principalstrategic partner and a dominant militarypresence in the region, has consistentlysupported Israel’s security posture. Thistriangular dynamic - Iran, Israel, and theUnited States has therefore remained oneof the most volatile fault lines in globalgeopolitics.While previous confrontations oftenoccurred indirectly through proxyconflicts, the present escalation carries therisk of direct strategic confrontation,raising concerns across the internationalcommunity.Strategic Geography: The Energy Arteryof the WorldThe Middle East occupies a uniquelycritical position in the global energysystem. At the centre of this strategicgeography lies the Strait of Hormuz, anarrow maritime corridor connecting thePersian Gulf with international waters.Nearly one-fifth of the world’s crude oilsupply passes through this narrow passageevery day. Major energy exporters,including Saudi Arabia, the United ArabEmirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, depend onthis route to deliver energy resources toglobal markets.Iran’s geographic proximity to thischokepoint provides it with a powerfulstrategic lever. Even without achievingoutright military dominance, Tehran canexert considerable pressure on globalmarkets by threatening shipping lanes orenergy infrastructure.The mere possibility of disruption in thiscorridor is enough to trigger anxiety inglobal energy markets.
Oil Markets: The Immediate ShockwaveEnergy markets respond almost instantly togeopolitical tensions in the Gulf. Oil tradersclosely monitor developments in the regionbecause even minor disruptions cansignificantly affect global supply.When tensions escalate, insurance costs foroil tankers increase sharply, shippingcompanies reconsider their routes, andmarkets begin pricing in what analysts call a“war risk premium.”Such premiums reflect not only thepossibility of actual supply disruption butalso the uncertainty surrounding futuredevelopments.History provides several examples from theoil shocks of the 1970s to the Gulf conflictswhere wars in the Middle East triggereddramatic spikes in oil prices. If the presentconfrontation intensifies, global energymarkets could again experience sharpvolatility.Rising crude oil prices affect every sector ofmodern economies, increasing the cost oftransportation, power generation, aviationfuel, fertilizers, and industrial production.KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 09Inflation and the Global Economic DominoEffectOil is the life blood of modern economic activity.When its price rises significantly, inflationarypressure spreads rapidly across nationaleconomies.Transportation becomes more expensive,manufacturing costs rise, and food prices increasebecause modern agriculture depends heavily onfuel and petrochemical inputs.For central banks already struggling to maintainprice stability, a sustained rise in energy pricescould complicate monetary policy. Interest ratesmay remain elevated, slowing investment andeconomic growth.This inflationary pressure is particularlydangerous for economies already grappling withslow growth, high public debt, or fragile financialsystems.Trade, Shipping, and Supply Chains.Global trade depends heavily on secure maritime transport.A conflict in the Gulf can disrupt not only oil shipments butalso commercial cargo moving between Asia, Europe, andAfrica.Insurance premiums for vessels operating in the region tendto rise sharply during periods of conflict. Shippingcompanies may divert routes, increasing travel time andtransportation costs.Such disruptions can ripple across global supply chains,delaying manufacturing cycles and raising consumer pricesworldwide.For an already strained global trade system recovering frompandemic era disruptions, another major shock could havefar reaching consequences.
Financial Markets and Investor BehaviourFinancial markets typically react to warwith heightened volatility. Investors tendto shift their capital toward safer assetssuch as the US dollar, gold, andgovernment bonds.Equity markets often experienceturbulence as companies anticipate risingoperational costs, disrupted trade routes,and uncertain economic conditions.Energy companies may benefit fromhigher oil prices, but industries dependenton fuel, such as aviation, shipping,logistics, and heavy manufacturing, mayface mounting cost pressures.This uneven impact creates instabilityacross financial markets and can weakenglobal economic confidence.10 KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineIndia’s Strategic Role as a Stabilising ActorAmid this turbulent geopolitical landscape, Indiaoccupies a unique diplomatic position. Unlikemany powers directly involved in theconfrontation, India maintains workingrelationships with all key stakeholders in theregion.New Delhi has historically maintained cordialrelations with Iran, while simultaneouslystrengthening strategic ties with Israel andmaintaining a long standing partnership with theUnited States.This balanced diplomatic posture provides Indiawith the credibility to act as a bridge betweencompeting interests.India also has strong economic and strategic stakesin regional stability. The development of theChabahar Port in Iran, for instance, represents akey element of India’s connectivity strategy linkingSouth Asia with Central Asia and beyond.Furthermore, millions of Indian citizens live andwork in the Gulf region, making stability there notonly a strategic concern but also a humanitarianpriority. Given its civilizational diplomacy,economic influence, and credibility among diversepartners, India could potentially play aconstructive role in encouraging dialogue, reducingtensions, and supporting international diplomaticinitiatives aimed at preventing escalation.In an increasingly multipolar world, India’s voicecarries growing weight in global forums anddiplomatic negotiations.The Impact on Developing EconomiesDeveloping economies are particularly vulnerable tooil price shocks because many rely heavily onimported energy.For India, which imports a significant portion of itscrude oil, rising global prices could increase inflation,widen the current account deficit, and put pressure ongovernment finances.Higher fuel prices also affect transportation costs,agricultural production, and household expenditure.Similar challenges confront many economies acrossAsia and Africa, where energy imports constitute alarge share of national spending.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 11The Impact on Developing EconomiesDeveloping economies are particularlyvulnerable to oil price shocks because manyrely heavily on imported energy.For India, which imports a significantportion of its crude oil requirements, risingglobal prices could increase inflation,widen the current account deficit, and placepressure on government finances.Higher fuel prices also affecttransportation costs, agriculturalproduction, and household expenditure.Similar challenges confront manyeconomies across Asia and Africa whereenergy imports constitute a large share ofnational spending.To sum up, the confrontation involvingIran, Israel, and the United States is farmore than a regional dispute. It is ageopolitical event capable of reshapingglobal energy markets, financialstability, and international diplomacy.In today’s interconnected world, missileslaunched in the Middle East caninfluence fuel prices in Asia, inflation inEurope, and stock markets in America.Preventing further escalation, thereforerequires not only military restraint butalso diplomatic engagement byresponsible global actors.Countries like India, with credibilityacross competing camps, may play aconstructive role in encouraging dialogueand stability. In an era defined bycomplex geopolitical tensions, diplomacyand strategic balance remain the mostpowerful tools for preserving peace.Ultimately, while wars may begin inspecific regions, their economicconsequences belong to the entireworld.The Risk of a Wider Regional WarPerhaps the most serious concern isthe possibility of the conflictexpanding beyond the immediateparticipants. The Middle East is anintricate network of alliances,rivalries, and proxy actors.If regional militias or allied statesbecome directly involved, theconfrontation could widen into abroader regional war. Such anescalation would threaten globalenergy markets, disruptinternational trade routes, andcreate geopolitical instability on ascale not witnessed in decades.
In 1976, the visionary writer, journalist andplaywright Pabitra Kumar Deka foundedAikyatan, which has evolved into a prominentcultural haven in Guwahati. Today, thiscornerstone of Guwahati’s cultural scene celebratesits 50th anniversary, having stood the test of timewith resilience and grace. Since its inception,Aikyatan has played a pivotal role in shaping thecultural framework of Assam. Even in the absenceof its founder, Pabitra Kumar Deka, its impactfulcontributions continue to thrive in a revitalisedform, thanks to the endeavours of his sons, cinejournalist Prantik Deka and filmmaker ProdyutKumar Deka, alongside a vibrant community ofardent cultural aficionados. This year, as Aikyatanmarks its Golden Jubilee, a festive spirit permeatesthe atmosphere. The future appears to be bright,encouraging fans and enthusiasts to eagerlyanticipate what lies ahead.Saurabh Kumar Chaliha’s‘Ayurekha’ Showcased atthe 50th AnniversaryCelebration ofAikyatan12KRC SUNDAYTIMES:E-MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINEPrantik DekaDuring this momentous occasion of the Golden Jubilee celebration, Aikyatanshowcased ‘Ayurekha’, the sole one-act play written by Saurabh Kumar Chaliha, theartisan of Assamese short stories. This performance took place on the evenings ofFebruary 13th and 14th at the New Art Players Auditorium in Guwahati, a venue filledwith enthusiasm as it featured two consecutive evening shows of the play.
In the contemporary scientific era, playwright Saurabh KumarChaliha adeptly utilises satire to highlight the lingering influenceof traditional beliefs, particularly those surrounding palmistryand the interpretation of life lines. This practice still captivatesmany, even with modern scientific insights. Through his sharp witand clever dialogues, Chaliha invites audiences to reconsider thevalidity of such superstitions. The play demonstrates thatindividuals who adhere to superstitious beliefs continue tosubscribe to the notion that their destinies are preordained by thecharacteristics of their palm lines. This perspective underscoresthe irrationality of permitting such beliefs to govern one’s lifedecisions. The play serves as both a critique of superstition and acall to embrace rational thought, fostering an environment whereconstructive discussions can thrive. Both days’performances ofthe play were a captivating experience for the audience, enliveningthe stage with their engaging and immersive storytelling.13KRC SUNDAYTIMES:E-MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINE
14 KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineUnder the perceptive direction ofPradyut Kumar Deka, the play’spotential was vividly expressed. Theaudience found themselvesenveloped in an atmosphere ofquiet admiration during bothevenings of the performance. Theperformers, through theirimpeccable portrayals, effectivelyrealised Deka’s intricate directorialvision on stage. The seamlessperformances by Anupam ArindamGoswami, Atonu Kashyap, RakeshRanjan Das and Amal Chakrabortysignificantly enhanced theenjoyment of the play.Furthermore, the music composedby Rahul Das, along with PonaKalita’s lighting and SankuBaruah’s fitting makeup design,contributed to a harmonious flowthroughout the entire performance.Prior to the performance of theplay, the audience was entrancedby the mime artistry of MoinulHaque, an integral figure ofAikyatan and a recipient of theSangeet Natak Akademi Award.The portrayals of Assamese sociallife, conveyed through mime, heldthe audience’s attention on bothevenings. The engaging vignettes,which illustrated various aspects ofAssamese social life, elicited bothlaughter and contemplation,earning enthusiastic applause fromthe audience at the New ArtPlayers Auditorium.
Imphal: The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, AliKhamenei, in coordinated U.S.–Israeli strikes haspushed an already volatile region into openconfrontation. What some in Washington may haveviewed as a decisive blow now appears to havetriggered a far more uncertain and dangerous phase.The assumption seemed simple: remove the head, andthe body weakens. Yet Iran’s immediate and calibratedretaliation has confounded that logic. Far fromcollapsing, Tehran has signalled endurance. Andendurance, in West Asian geopolitics, often outlastsfirepower.A Gulf WarThat MayNot End Quickly15KRC SUNDAYTIMES:E-MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINEWAARI SINGBUL NETWORKFor those of us in Manipur,this may appear distanttheatre. But wars in theGulf rarely remainconfined to maps andmilitary briefings. Theytravel through oil prices,inflation charts, and theeveryday cost of living.
At the heart of the crisis lies theStrait of Hormuz—a narrowmaritime corridor through whichnearly a fifth of the world’s oilsupply passes. Even limiteddisruption there can send crudeprices soaring past $100 a barrel.Markets react not only toblockades, but to risk. A singlemissile strike, a tanker seizure, ormined waters can tighten insurancepremiums and choke shipping lanes.16KRC SUNDAYTIMES:E-MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINEIf oil sustains above tripledigits, the consequencesare predictable. Inflationrises globally. Central banksdelay interest rate cuts.Emerging economies,already strained, facerenewed capital outflows.Supply chains—never fullyrestored since thepandemic—come underfresh pressure.U.S. Air ForceResidential buildings near Doha
The larger question, however, is whether this conflict will be brief orprolonged. There are reasons to believe it may endure.Iran’s political structure is not dependent on one individual alone. Power isdiffused through the Revolutionary Guard, clerical institutions, andentrenched security networks. The removal of a supreme leader, rather thancreating vacuum, can consolidate resolve. History in the region has shownthat external strikes often harden ideological systems rather than dissolvethem.Moreover, Iran’s military doctrine is asymmetrical. It does not require airsuperiority to sustain pressure. Its missile arsenal, drone capabilities, cyberreach, and regional proxies allow it to calibrate retaliation over months oryears. U.S. bases across the Gulf remain within range. Escalation need notbe dramatic; it can be incremental and persistent.This is where the geopolitical shadow lengthens. Both China and Russiahave condemned the strikes. Public diplomacy is one layer. Quietcooperation is another. Intelligence sharing, satellite data, electroniccountermeasures, and technical inputs—none of these require formalalliances to alter the balance.For China, the stakes are economic. Discounted Iranian crude has long fedits industrial machine. Any American attempt to reshape Tehran’sleadership or tighten oversight over Hormuz directly affects Beijing’s energysecurity. For Russia, higher oil prices strengthen its own fiscal position. AUnited States absorbed in Gulf tensions also eases pressure elsewhere.What, then, is Washington’s ultimate objective? Officially, the strikes aim todismantle missile and nuclear threats. Yet critics point to a broader strategicdesign. With Venezuelan oil constrained and Iran destabilised, Americanleverage over two major sanctioned suppliers increases. Control over energychokepoints need not be absolute; influence alone can shape global pricedynamics.KRC SUNDAYTIMES: 17E-MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINE
If a weakened or reoriented Iran emerges, oversight ofHormuz becomes not just a regional concern but aglobal instrument. In an era defined by competitionwith China, energy leverage carries strategic weight.For India, the fallout would be immediate. The countryimports the majority of its crude. Every sustained $10rise in oil prices chips away at growth, weakens therupee, and fuels inflation. Fertilizer costs climb.Transport expenses rise. Aviation and manufacturingmargins narrow.In states like Manipur, where goods travel longdistances before reaching local markets, higher fuelcosts are not abstract macroeconomic figures. They arevisible in LPG cylinder prices, in freight charges, and inthe strain on rural households. The ripple effects travelswiftly from global chokepoints to village kitchens.18KRC SUNDAYTIMES:E-MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINENew Delhi now faces a delicatediplomatic balancing act. Strategicpartnership with Washington mustcoexist with pragmatic engagement inWest Asia. Maintaining autonomy in apolarised environment will requirecareful navigation.The United Arab Emirates, too, standsat a crossroads. While elevated oilprices may temporarily boostrevenues, sustained instabilitythreatens aviation hubs, maritimetrade, and investor confidence—thevery pillars of its diversificationmodel. Missile alerts are hardlyconducive to financial optimism.Many have started fleeing from theemirates for safety.5 MAR 2026Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri visited theEmbassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran andsigned the condolence book, on behalf of thepeople and the Government of India, on thedemise of Supreme LeaderAyatollah Syed AliKhamenei.
Ultimately, the danger lies not in aswift war but in a lingering one.Decapitation strategies have rarelydelivered tidy outcomes in theMiddle East. They often replacecertainty with drawn-outcontestation.If Iran sustains asymmetricretaliation, if China and Russiadeepen quiet support, and ifWashington doubles down ratherthan recalibrates, the region mayslide into a prolonged standoff.Energy markets will remain volatile.Alliances will shift. Global inflationpressures will persist.19KRC SUNDAYTIMES:E-MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINEFrom the hills of Manipur, one learns thatconflict seldom unfolds according to thescripts drafted in distant capitals. Itlingers. It reshapes societies slowly. And itleaves ordinary citizens paying fordecisions made far away. The Gulf mayseem distant from Imphal. But when oilburns there, its heat travels.Luxury Hotels in Dubai hit
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), in collaboration withthe Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM), celebrated International Women’s Day2026 at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati, on 08 March 2026 (Sunday) with thetheme “Give to Gain: Celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer.”The programme highlighted the vital role played by women farmers in strengthening rurallivelihoods and promoting sustainable agriculture in the State.Keerthi Jalli, IAS, Commissioner, Panchayati & Rural Development, Govt of Assam, graced theoccasion as the Chief Guest. The event also witnessed the presence of Kuntal Moni SarmaBordoloi, State Mission Director, ASRLM and Prabhas Bose, Chief General Manager, StateBank of India, among other dignitaries.Loken Das, Chief General Manager, NABARD Assam Regional Office, in his welcome address,highlighted that the celebration of International Women’s Day 2026 assumes special significanceas it coincides with the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognising the invaluablecontribution of women farmers in strengthening the State’s rural economy and food systems.21 KRC SUNDAYTIMES:E-MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINENABARD organises Celebration ofInternational Women’s Day
Addressing the gathering, the Chief GuestKeerthi Jalli, IAS, appreciated the role ofwomen farmers, women-led Self HelpGroups (SHGs), and women-led collectivesin transforming rural livelihoods andcontributing to agricultural growth. Sheemphasised the need for continuedinstitutional support, access to credit,technology and markets to further empowerwomen farmers in the State.22KRC SUNDAYTIMES:E-MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINEAs part of the celebration of theInternational Year of the Woman Farmer,NABARD felicitated Joymoti Self HelpGroup of Darrang District, the first SHGin the State to be credit-linked with a bank.In addition, 19 women farmers andmembers of women-led Farmer ProducerOrganisations (FPOs) and PrimaryAgricultural Credit Societies (PACS) werehonoured for their outstandingcontributions in agriculture and alliedactivities.The programme witnessed enthusiasticparticipation from women farmers, SHGmembers, representatives from banks,government departments, and developmentinstitutions.The event concluded with a vote of thanksproposed by Evan T. Munsong, DeputyGeneral Manager, NABARD.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 23The Madhy Dakshini Festival culminated successfully at Umiam in Meghalaya,following their performances in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, at the College ofPostgraduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGS-AS). Students, faculty andfamily members enjoyed a mesmerising performance by eighty-six artists fromTelangana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh.The festival will be hosted by Dr. Prashanna Gogoi, Director,NEZCC, Dimapur and recipient of the Sangeet Natak AkademiAward, whose distinguished contribution to Northeasternperforming arts has been widely recognised at the internationallevel.North East Integration Rally andKRC Foundation collaborated withNEZCC along with Ri Bhoi College,Nongpoh and Central AgriculturalUniversity, Imphal to organise thetwo events held on 5 & 6 Marchin Meghalayath thA key highlight of the evening willbe the choreographic culturalpresentation “Kala Sangini” – aconfluence of dance traditions ofSouth-Central India with livemusic, curated by Smt. Astha M.Karlekar, Director, SCZCC, Nagpur.The presentation will feature folk,traditional & tribal art forms fromMadhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,Telangana, Karnataka andChhattisgarh performed byacclaimed cultural troupes.The festival will also showcase therich indigenous cultural heritage ofArunachal Pradesh throughperformances by the Tai Khamti,Singpho and Adi tribes.NEIR Collaborates with NEZCCfor Madhya Dakshini Festival2026 in Meghalaya
24 KRC SUNDAYTIMES:E-MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINEMadhya DakshiniFestival 2026 in RiBhoi College
25KRC SUNDAYTIMES:E-MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINEMadhya DakshiniFestival 2026 inCPGS-AS
India’s Political Scenario:Issues that matterThis week saw a mix of domestic political maneuvers, security concerns,and international diplomacy shaping India's landscape. The BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP) continued to consolidate its position amidspeculation over leadership transitions in key states, while oppositionparties like Congress ramped up criticism on foreign policy andgovernance issues. Regional conflicts in West Asia influenced India'sstrategic responses, and upcoming state elections loomed large.Here are the key issues currently rocking India:Bihar Politics and Leadership Transition:Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar filed his nominationfor the Rajya Sabha on March 5, sparking debates abouthis potential exit from state politics and the future of hisJanata Dal (United) party. This move, supported byUnion Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP PresidentNitin Nabin, is seen as strengthening the BJP'sdominance in Bihar and potentially across northernIndia. Analysts suggest it could lead to his son or a BJPally taking over as Deputy CM, further eroding regionalallies' influence.Social media discussions highlighted implications foralliances, with the BJP potentially controlling 16 chiefministers across 28 states.West Bengal Controversy:A political row erupted on March 7 when PresidentDroupadi Murmu expressed disappointment overarrangements or issues related to a Santal conclave (tribalgathering) in the state. West Bengal Chief Minister MamataBanerjee responded by accusing the President of \"playingpolitics,\" leading to sharp exchanges between the TMC andBJP-led central government.KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 26
Ongoing Naxalism Eradication Push:Union Home Minister Amit Shahrepeatedly reaffirmed thegovernment's commitment toeliminating Left-Wing Extremism(Naxalism/Maoism) by March 31,2026. He highlighted progress inaffected states and described it asentering a \"new chapter ofdevelopment\" free from violence.Other Notes: Preparations continued forupcoming state assembly elections in2026 (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Kerala, WestBengal, Assam, and Puducherry,scheduled for March-May in somecases), though no major campaignevents dominated this specific week.Left parties like CPI(M) plannedescalations (e.g., a Delhi March later inMarch) against central policies on laborcodes and trade deals.Parliamentary and NationalDevelopmentsThe second part of the BudgetSession of Parliament was set toresume on March 9 (just after thisperiod), with high dramaanticipated. Key items included:Debate and potential vote on amotion to remove Lok SabhaSpeaker Om Birla.A three-line whip was issued byboth the BJP and the Congressto ensure MP attendance.External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar is scheduled toaddress the Lok Sabha onMarch 9 regarding India'sstance on the West Asiaconflict, following Oppositioncriticism of the government'sperceived \"silence.\"KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 27
Other Flashpoints:Incidents like hoax bomb threats inGujarat and toxic gas leaks inMaharashtra reflect security lapsesthat Opposition could exploit.Yogi Adityanath's swift action in astabbing case exemplifies the \"Yogimodel\" of law enforcement,appealing to BJP's base butdrawing human rights scrutinyBroader Context Influencing PoliticsThe week saw indirect political ripples from the West Asia crisis(US-Israel strikes on Iran, Iranian responses, and regionalescalations including Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions). This ledto:Discussions on stranded Indians and potential Navy escortsfor ships in the Persian Gulf.PM Modi chairing Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)meetings.Opposition critiques of the government's handling and callsfor clearer diplomatic positioning.Overall, the period reflected a BJP-led central governmentpushing internal security deadlines (Naxalism eradication) anddevelopment narratives, while facing Opposition pushback instates like West Bengal and in Parliament. Bihar's unfoldingtransition added intrigue to NDA alliances. No single massivenationwide political event dominated, but tensions built towardthe Budget Session's stormy start.28 KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine
Patharkandi: In a major boost to rail connectivity in the region, Train No. 13173/13174Sealdah–Sabroom Kanchanjungha Express and Train No. 12503/12504 Agartala–SMVTBengaluru Humsafar Express have been granted a new stoppage at Patharkandi RailwayStation.The trains were formally flagged off from the station on Saturday, marking a significantmoment for the residents of Patharkandi and nearby areas. The new stoppage is expectedto improve travel convenience and strengthen connectivity between the region and majorcities.Local leaders and residents welcomed the development, stating that the move would benefitpassengers, traders, students and the local community by improving accessibility andcreating new opportunities for economic and social growth.Gratitude was expressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership and focus onstrengthening railway infrastructure across the Northeast.KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 302 Long-Distance Trains Get NewStoppage at Patharkandi RailwayStation
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 31Thanks were also conveyed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnawfor supporting the long-standing demand for the stoppage and for takingsteps to enhance railway connectivity.Appreciation was also extended to Assam Chief Minister Himanta BiswaSarma for his continued efforts to improve infrastructure and connectivityin Barak Valley and other parts of the state.Residents expressed hope that the new stoppage will make travel easier andcontribute to the overall development of the region.
32 KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineDemand for ST Status forMeiteis Gains Attention AmidDebate on ConstitutionalSafeguardsRajkumarThe demand for constitutional protection for the Meitei community in Manipur has againcome into focus, with supporters arguing that the community lacks safeguards enjoyed byother indigenous groups in the state.According to those raising the issue, the Manipur Merger Agreement of 1949 mainly dealtwith the transfer of administrative powers from the Maharaja of Manipur to theGovernment of India and did not grant any special constitutional status to the state. Theysay the agreement lost further relevance after the introduction of Articles 363 and 363A ofthe Constitution, which also abolished the privy purse paid to the former ruler fromDecember 28, 1971.Supporters of the demand point out that the special constitutional provision related toManipur is contained in Article 371C. Under this provision, the Manipur LegislativeAssembly (Hill Areas Committee) Order, 1972 restricts the state assembly from taking upany scheduled matter concerning hill areas without the consent of the Hill AreasCommittee.The First Schedule of the 1972 order defines hill areas as covering about 92 percent ofManipur’s total land area. In addition, the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Act, 1971created autonomous districts in the hill regions with powers to frame laws for localadministration. These laws are implemented along with the Manipur (Village Authoritiesin Hill Areas) Act, 1956.
33KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-MembershipMagazineThose advocating for Meitei inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list argue that the communitydoes not enjoy similar protections despite being indigenous to the region. They claim thatland holdings of Meiteis have reduced over time and now account for only a small portion ofthe state’s total land area.They also cite demographic data indicating that the Meitei population in Manipur hasdeclined from about 56.2 percent in 1881 to around 44.9 percent in 2011. Supporters say thecommunity’s fertility rate and population growth are lower compared to other groups in thestate.On these grounds, proponents of the demand arguethat granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Meiteicommunity would provide constitutional safeguardsand help preserve their identity and land rights. Somehave also suggested that if the community receives STstatus, the entire state could potentially be broughtunder the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.All tribes residing in the hill areasare recognised as Scheduled Tribesunder Article 342 of theConstitution. Because of thisstatus, their land is protectedunder Section 158 of the ManipurLand Revenue and Land ReformsAct, 1960, which prevents the saleof tribal land to non-tribal people.The issue remains sensitive and continues to bedebated among different communities and politicalgroups in Manipur.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 34NEIR: Road Ahead...
As Gupta noted,\"This isn’t just about driving across states. Wewant to start a chain reaction—a movement that buildsunderstanding, preparedness, and unity.\"krctimes.comPost-rally, NEIR leaves a legacy of communitywhitepapers, photo documentaries, cross-culturalnetworks, and inspired change agents.northeastintegrationrally.inkrctimes.comFor more, visitnortheastintegrationrally.in orfollow @neindiarallyon X.northeastintegrationrally.in35KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineNEIR: Connect...
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 36Five-Star Hotel Project in Silchar;Polo Hotels Group to Develop FirstLuxury Property in Barak ValleyKRC TIMES News DeskSILCHAR: In a major boost to hospitality infrastructure in Southern Assam, the Assam Cabinethas approved the development of Silchar’s first five-star hotel, to be built by Polo Hotels Groupwith an investment of approximately ₹103 crore. The announcement marks a significant steptowards strengthening the tourism, business, and events ecosystem of the Barak Valley.Announcing the decision, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, said,“Today, ourcabinet has given a go-ahead to construct a Five-Star hotel in Silchar, to Polo Hotels Group. ThePolo Hotels Group will be spending around 103 crore rupees on this project. This is going to bethe first five-star hotel in Silchar.”The project will introduce international-standard luxury hospitality infrastructure to the BarakValley for the first time, positioning Silchar, the commercial and administrative hub of SouthernAssam, to host high-value travel, corporate engagements, and large-scale events.International-Standard Hospitality InfrastructureThe proposed luxury hotel will feature 100 premium rooms andsuites, designed to meet global hospitality benchmarks whilereflecting the cultural character of the Barak Valley.Key facilities will include multiple speciality restaurants and bars,a resort-style swimming pool, a full-service spa and wellnesscentre, a modern fitness facility, and state-of-the-art banquet andconference infrastructure capable of hosting corporate summits,exhibitions, weddings, and government events.Industry analysts note that India’s hospitality sector haswitnessed a strong rebound in recent years. According totourism estimates, India recorded more than 2.3 billiondomestic tourist visits in 2023, while demand for MICE tourism(Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) hasexpanded rapidly across emerging regional cities.
Expansion Strategy of Polo HotelsGroupThe Silchar project forms part of anambitious expansion plan by Polo HotelsGroup, one of Northeast India’s mostestablished hospitality brands.Alongside the Silchar development, theGroup is currently building 10 additionalhotels across Meghalaya, Tripura, WestBengal, and Nagaland, significantlyexpanding its footprint across Eastern andNortheastern India. This pipeline ofprojects is expected to position thecompany among the largest hospitalityoperators headquartered in NortheastIndia, reinforcing its long-termcommitment to developing world-classtourism and hospitality infrastructureacross the region.Deval Tibrewalla, Chief ExecutiveOfficer of Polo Hotels Group, said,“Silchar is one of the most importantgateway cities in Northeast India, andrequires hospitality infrastructurerequired to support its growingeconomic and institutionalimportance. This project is not justabout building a hotel; it is aboutenabling the next phase of growth forthe Barak Valley. As a companyrooted in the Northeast, we see it asour responsibility to bring worldclass experiences to emerging citiesand unlock their full potential. TheSilchar hotel, along with ourexpanding pipeline across the region,reflects our long-term commitmentto building the largest and mosttrusted hospitality platform inNortheast India.”Economic Impact andEmploymentHospitality infrastructureprojects of this scale generatesignificant multiplier effectsacross local economies. Industryestimates suggest that each hotelroom can generate around 2direct jobs, along with additionalemployment across sectors suchas food supply chains,transportation, eventmanagement, and local services.The Silchar project is thereforeexpected to create substantialdirect and indirect employmentopportunities, while supportinglocal businesses, producers, andservice providers across theBarak Valley.Strengthening Tourism andBusiness TravelOnce operational, the hotelis expected to establish anew benchmark for luxuryhospitality in SouthernAssam, enabling Silchar tohost national-levelconferences, policymeetings, corporategatherings, and destinationevents that were previouslyconstrained by the lack ofpremium accommodationfacilities.The development alsoreflects a broader shift inIndia’s hospitalitylandscape, where emergingregional cities areincreasingly becoming thenext frontier for tourism andbusiness travelinfrastructure.KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 37
38 KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazinePolitical History of Struggles andMovements at Sreemangal in BangladeshIn the political history of Bengal, Sreemangal holds a unique place. This region,surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, is known not only for its natural beautybut also for its long tradition of struggle, sacrifice, movements, and martyrdom. Fromthe anti-British movement to the Language Movement, from farmers’ and workers’rights movements to the Liberation War of Bangladesh — the people of Sreemangalhave shown remarkable courage, patriotism, and sacrifice in every chapter of history.Sangram DattaThe present Sreemangal Upazila, formerly part of the greaterSylhet district (now Sylhet Division), is located in the famoustea-growing region of Moulvibazar district. Sreemangal iswidely known not only within the country but alsointernationally for its communication network and commercialactivities.It is located about 50 miles southwest of Sylhet city center and13 miles from Moulvibazar district headquarters, near theborder of Tripura state of India. Situated in the eastern part ofBangladesh, this region carries centuries of historical heritageand glory, developing continuously over time. Sreemangal isbeautifully located at the foothills of hills, decorated with teagardens, forest resources, and attractive tourist spots includingwaterfalls and scenic natural landscapesDuring the Liberation War, Sreemangal was known as a control and communication centerin the Sylhet region. Throughout history, Sreemangal has been associated with variousrights movements, including the Indian independence movement, tea laborers’ movements,and the 1928 peasant movement where attacks were carried out against British police forces.In the Balishira hill movement, two farmers sacrificed their lives for the protection offarmers’ rights. In tea labor movements, workers such as Basanta, Banshiganj, and manyknown and unknown laborers contributed through their struggles and sacrifices, keepingthe spirit of resistance alive to this day.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine39Sreemangal in the Anti-British MovementFrom the dawn of the 20th century into the 21st century,the freedom-loving men and women, youth, elderly,children, and adolescents of Sreemangal have continuedto play an unforgettable role in historical movements.During the Indian independence struggle, especiallyfollowing the 1905 Partition of Bengal movement, peoplewere inspired by nationalism and patriotic sacrifice. Astrong public movement emerged across Bengaldemanding the boycott of foreign goods, includingforeign clothing, and encouraging the use of indigenousproducts. The movement spread rapidly across remoteareas of Bengal.The freedom-loving leaders and people of Sreemangalbegan boycotting British cotton textiles and startedwearing local handloom and khadi clothing. They builtstrong public opinion in favor of boycotting foreignproducts. Local leaders of this movement included PhaniDutta Panini (Bhojpur), Girija Choudhury (Bhojpur),Jatindra Mohan Datta (Noagaon), Sharada Das Tarafdar(Noagaon), Pramath Deb (Noagaon), Nagen Ghosh(Singbij), Suresh Som (Uttarsur), Yogesh Chatterjee(Sreemangal town), Jiten Pal (Rupashpur), Barada KantaSen (Sreemangal town), Mahendra Sharma (Tikiria),Surya Mani Deb (Ramnagar), Bipin Das (Uttarsur), JatinDeb (Sreemangal town), Master Gour Gobinda Deb(Bharauura), Dijendra Bhattacharjee (Sreemangal town),Manmohan Bhattacharjee (Baulashi), Laku DuttaChowdhury (Bhunobir), Lila Dutta Chowdhury(Bhunbir), Nikunja Bihari Goswami (Kalapur), HridayDeb (Bharauura), Amar Dutta (Bhairav Bazar), JashodaGobinda Goswami (Kalapur), Indra Hom Chowdhury(Rupashpur), Mohammad Yunus Uddin (Patrikul),Nagendra Dhar (Sreemangal town), and others.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine40In 1911, the Partition of Bengal was annulled. In the following years, the movement slowed down.In 1920, the Non-Cooperation Movement created strong revolutionary momentum across theregion.In 1919, at the Lahore Congress session, the Congress adopted a resolution in favor of completeindependence. At that time, Parash Lal Shom, a member of the Assam Legislative Assembly fromthe Sreemangal area and residing in Kolkata, resigned from his membership following Congressdirectives.When the British government called for re-election, his younger brother, Advocate Eresh Lal Shom,became a candidate. Local political activists mainly Congress protested and symbolically supportedan independent candidate named Chirtan Horizon, a local cobbler from Moulvibazar, who waselected.In 1922, during the nationwide Non-Cooperation andKhilafat movements, mass meetings, arrests, and repressionincreased. Prominent anti-British leaders spread across thecountry to strengthen the movement.During this time, Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, SrimatiBasanti Devi, and Maulana Mohammad Ali arrived atSreemangal railway station to join the Khilafat movement inMoulvibazar. Students of Sreemangal welcomed them withfloral garlands. The conference was held on 15 March 1921.In 1928, Jatin Das, a revolutionary freedom fighter, diedafter a 63-day hunger strike in Lahore Central Jail. Amourning meeting was held at the Marwari Kali Bari (nowBarowari Kali Bari) on Doctor Post Office Road inSreemangal. The event was organized by Yogesh Chatterjeeand Satish Shom.In 1929, Dr. Surya Mani Deb and Jitendra Nath PalChowdhury of the Jugantar revolutionary group werearrested for political activities.In 1930, the Sreemangal Thana Congress Committee was formed with Nalini Gupta aspresident and Suresh Som as secretary. In 1932, under the Anushilan revolutionarygroup, Sitesh Som was appointed president and Yogesh Chatterjee was appointedsecretary of the Sreemangal branch.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 41During the Salt Movement, Sitesh Shom participated and was injured in a police lathi chargein Noakhali.The British police wearing red turbans destroyed the Sreemangal Congress office. Duringthis time, young revolutionary leader Surya Mani Deb along with Mukund Chakraborty(Tikiria), Mahendra Sharma (Tikiria), Manmohan Bhattacharjee (Baulashi), famouspolitician Laku Dutta Chowdhury (Bhunobir), his sister revolutionary leader Lila Dutta(Bhunobir), Rohini Das (Baulashi), Sharada De (Nischintapur), and Sitesh Shom (Uttarsur)were arrested. Jitendra Pal Chowdhury and another student were beaten by British police. Atthis time, Khird Bihari Deb Chowdhury of Sreemangal town joined the Indian NationalCongress and led the anti-British movement.In 1938, revolutionary Congress leader Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose visited Sreemangal anddelivered a mass speech at New Bazar. He was served refreshments at the Sreemangal DakBungalow. Additionally, in 1936, 1938, 1945, and 1946, Congress leader Pandit JawaharlalNehru visited Sreemangal four times and delivered important speeches regarding the anti-Britishmovement and referendum issues.In September 1939, after the outbreak of the Second World War, the anti-British movementintensified in Sreemangal. During this time, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (MahatmaGandhi) launched the“Quit India Movement”against British rule. However, the Britishgovernment attempted to suppress the movement. Some revolutionary leaders, losing faith in thepolicy of non-violence, spread across different regions and continued the struggle. Manyactivists joined armed revolutionary activities targeting British officials.Muhammad Ali Jinnah left Congress and joined the Muslim League. After being underhouse arrest for a long time, Subhas Chandra Bose secretly left India and went to Japanto organize the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) to fight for India’s freedom.During World War II, Azad Hind Fauj launched several attacks and bombings in parts ofIndia. The army advanced up to Imphal in Manipur but could not capture Delhi’s RedFort due to shortages of food and weapons. After Japan and the Axis powers weredefeated, Subhas Chandra Bose disappeared. During this time, supporters of Azad HindFauj and some armed youth in Sreemangal joined the movement.In 1940, after the Lahore Resolution was proposed by Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq,Muslim League politics expanded across India. The Sreemangal Thana Muslim LeagueCommittee was formed with Mohammad Israil as president and Abdus SobhanChowdhury as secretary.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 42In Moulvibazar’s Rajnagar, a women’s revolutionary organization called Shree Sangha wasestablished during the 1930s under the leadership of revolutionary woman leader Lila Nag.Members of this organization carried out anti-British activities in various places and laterfound safe shelter in Sreemangal. Manmohan Bhattacharjee was one of the leaders of thisorganization.In 1945, at the invitation of Muslim League leadership, Assam Chief Minister Sir SyedMuhammad Saadullah delivered a speech at a public meeting in Motiganj Bazar,Sreemangal, chaired by Mohammad Israil.In 1946, Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy and Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan conductedelection campaigns and delivered speeches at a large public meeting at the Eidgah ground onHobiganj Road, Sreemangal, chaired by Dewan Abdul Basit.In the 1946 election, Jibon Santal, representing the tea labor community and nominated by theCongress, was elected as a member of the Assam Provincial Assembly from this region. In 1947,Barrister Jogendra Nath Mandal from Barishal visited various areas of greater Sylhet andurged lower-caste Hindus to vote in favor of Pakistan during the referendum. As a result, mostlower-caste Hindu voters supported Pakistan.In the referendum, 239,619 votes were cast in favor of Pakistan, while 184,041 votes were cast infavor of joining India. The Muslim League secured 55,578 more votes, resulting in Sylhet andSreemangal becoming part of East Pakistan.Political History of Sreemangal During thePakistan PeriodBased on the two-nation theory, the Indian subcontinent was divided, resulting in the creation oftwo independent states — India and Pakistan. Pakistan gained independence on 14 August1947, while India became independent on 15 August 1947.The state of Pakistan was founded on a communal basis asthe Islamic Republic of Pakistan. In contrast, Indiamaintained its secular character. Although Pakistan’sfounder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, declaredafter the creation of Pakistan that the country would notbelong only to Muslims and that Hindus, Buddhists, andChristians would enjoy equal rights, this principle was notfully reflected in the constitution. Non-Muslim communitieswere often treated as second-class citizens.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 43Even under strong communal politics, justice was not fully ensured for many citizens,including Muslims. The ruling elite of Pakistan, dominated largely by wealthy and influentialgroups from Punjab, began showing discriminatory attitudes toward Bengali-speakingpeople of East Pakistan from the very beginning. Due to this linguistic and economicdiscrimination, politically conscious Bengalis gradually began protesting.After the creation of Pakistan, Bengali intellectuals and political leaders demanded recognition ofBengali as a state language. The movement united people from all religious communities — Hindu,Muslim, Christian, and Buddhist — under a common political cause.The roots of the Bengalilanguage movement can be traced back to the early 20th century during British India when debatesarose regarding the official language of India. At that time, elite Hindu and Congress leaderssupported Hindi, while Muslim League leaders favored Urdu. In protest, Dr. MuhammadShahidullah delivered a paper at a meeting in Shantiniketan, Kolkata, in 1920, arguing thatBengali should be the common language of the majority of the population. Prominent politicalleader Prafulla Kumar Sarkar supported this demand.In 1937, Maulana Akram Khan, editor ofthe newspaper Azad, wrote editorials supporting the Bengali language.After the creation of Pakistan, efforts to establish Bengalias a state language intensified. Writers and intellectualssuch as Abul Mansur, poet Fakhrul Ahmed, and Dr.Shahidullah wrote in favor of Bengali. Professor AbulKashem took initiatives in September 1947 to ignite theLanguage Movement.Noted lawyer and politician Dhirendranath Dutta ofComilla submitted a proposal at the Pakistan ConstituentAssembly meeting in Karachi on 23 February 1948. Hedemanded that Bengali be included alongside Urdu andEnglish as a state language, arguing that the majority ofPakistan’s population spoke Bengali. However, theproposal was rejected, and Urdu was declared the statelanguage on 11 March 1948.When Dhirendranath Dutta returned to Dhaka, he waswarmly welcomed by students at the airport, which markedthe beginning of a more organized language movement.
44 KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineIn March 1948, Pakistan’s founder Muhammad AliJinnah visited Dhaka and declared in a publicmeeting that Urdu would be the only state language.Students immediately protested by shouting slogansopposing the decision. This protest later led to theformation of the All-Party State Language ActionCommittee.In April 1948, the use of Bengali was approved forofficial activities in the provincial government ofEast Bengal.From 1948 to 1951, Language Movement Day wasobserved annually in East Pakistan under theleadership of the Action Committee. Students ofVictoria High School in Sreemangal played a leadingrole in these observances. Local political leaders andcitizens supported student rallies and meetings.Student leaders such as Rasendra Datta (also knownas Rasendra Datta Chowdhury), Biraj KusumChowdhury, Jogendra Datta, Shyamal Sengupta,Hitendra Gupta, Achyut Kumar Deb, AkhilChandra Dhar, Dr. Fazlul Haque, Md. MosaddarAli, and Syed Matiur Rahman led demonstrations.They were supported by leaders such as Md. IsrailMia of the Muslim League, Communist Party leaderSri Surya Mani Deb, businessman Ajit Chowdhury,Khird Bihari Deb Chowdhury and Bimol JyotiChowdhury.After Jinnah’s death in 1948, Khawaja Nazimuddinbecame Governor General but did little to addressBengali language demands.On 27 November 1949, DUCSU leaders submitted amemorandum to Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khandemanding recognition of Bengali as a statelanguage. As demands were ignored, studentsintensified protests. This eventually led to thehistoric events of 21 February 1952, when policefired on protesting students in Dhaka, killing Rafiq,Jabbar, Salam, Barkat, and many others.Students across the country launchedprotests in response, and Sreemangal’sstudents played an active role. Largedemonstrations and poster campaignswere organized throughout Sreemangalwith slogans demanding justice andrecognition of Bengali as a statelanguage.Mass rallies were held at the SreemangalMunicipality ground, where SyedMatiur Rahman presided. Leadersincluding Md. Shahjahan, RasendraDatta, Akhil Chandra Dhar, SajjadurRahman, and Sri Balai Bhattacharjeespoke at the rally demandingpunishment for those responsible for thekillings.In 1954, the United Front won theprovincial elections in East Bengal,largely based on language movementsentiment. The Muslim League suffereda major defeat. Karamat Ali ofVanugach, Kamalganj, won a largemajority in this election. Jibon Santalwas also elected as MLA from areserved minority constituency in thisregion. Prominent leaders such as Shere-Bangla Fazlul Huq, Huseyn ShaheedSuhrawardy, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,Professor Muzaffar Ahmed, NeeradNag, Syed Ashraf, Mohammad Toha,and Dhirendranath Dutta were elected.In 1956, the Pakistani government wasforced to recognize Bengali as a statelanguage due to popular pressure.In 1957, when Maulana Abdul HamidKhan Bhashani formed the NationalAwami Party (NAP), many youngpolitical activists from Sreemangaljoined the party. NAP emerged as astrong political force against the MuslimLeague.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 45In 1963, during the Balishira peasant rightsmovement in Sreemangal, protestors seized six riflesfrom police forces. Two people, Salik (19) and Ganu(80), were killed in police firing. The movementeventually forced the government to makeconcessions. The movement was led by NAP leadersRasendra Datta, Md. Shahjahan Mia, Member Md.Abdul Rahim of Tikiria, Abdus Khalik, AbdusHaque, and Chan Mia Mahaldar.Public protests against police repression continued inSreemangal with rallies and demonstrations.In 1965, during the presidential election, committeeswere formed to support Fatema Jinnah. Leaderssuch as Dr. Md. Abdul Ali and NAP leaderRasendra Dutta served in the election committee.In 1966, when the Six-Point Movement waslaunched by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,he was arrested multiple times and later imprisonedin the Agartala Conspiracy Case. NAP leaders alsosupported the Six-Point and Eleven-Pointmovements.In 1968, Sreemangal Thana Chhatra League wasestablished under the leadership of M.A. Rahim.On13 December 1968, a joint rally of Chhatra League,Chhatra Union, and NAP was held in New Bazar,Sreemangal, demanding the reopening of the Ittefaqnewspaper printing press.To honor the martyrs of the Language Movementand local martyrs Salik and Ganu, Sreemangal’s firstShaheed Minar was established in 1969 near themunicipal town committee ground through theefforts of local political and student leaders despitestrong opposition from the Muslim League. ThisShaheed Minar later became the central ShaheedMinar of Sreemangal.In January 1969, the All-Party Student ActionCommittee and Democratic Action Committee(DAC) were formed in Sreemangal, leading massprotests.After his release from the AgartalaConspiracy Case in 1969, BangabandhuSheikh Mujibur Rahman visited Sreemangaland stayed at Dr. Md. Abdul Ali’s residenceon Ramakrishna Mission Road. Later, localAwami League committees were formedunder the leadership of Mohammad Ilyasand Altafur Rahman Chowdhury.On 6 April 1970, Pakistani authoritiesarrested NAP leader Rasendra Datta,Mohammad Shahjahan Mia, ChhatraLeague leader M.A. Rahim, and S.A. Mujibunder martial law act on charge ofbreaching Pakistan ( That is also known asJoybangla Case) and sent them toMoulvibazar Jail. But Public pressure forcedtheir release.In the 1970 elections, Mohammad Ilyas andMd. Altafur Rahman Chowdhury wereelected to the national and provincialassemblies respectively on the Awami Leagueticket.When the Pakistani regime delayed powertransfer despite Bengali electoral victory,public protests intensified, eventually leadingto the Bangladesh Liberation War.The Great Liberation War of 1971On 1 March 1971, at 1:00 p.m as soon asPakistan President Yahya Khan’s speech wasbroadcast over the radio, a protest processionbegan from the Sreemangal municipalityoffice led by NAP leaders Rasendra Datta,Md. Shahjahan Mia, and Sayed MuijurRahman. Within moments, the entire townbecame vibrant with marches led by AwamiLeague, NAP, and their studentorganizations—many of whom hadpreviously been active in the Six-Point andEleven-Point movements.
46 KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineThousands of students and citizens joined the procession. Among those who led andparticipated were Khird Bihari Deb Chowdhury, Rajendra Das, Gopal Sen, Dhirendra DattaPanu, Hirendra Datta Chowdhury (Subhash), Dr.Fazlul Haque, Md. Abdur Rahim, SaiyeedMujibur Rahman, Dilip Kumar Roy, Md. Abdul Latif, Md. Abdul Haque, Hiralal Hazra,Mohammad Fateh Ali, Muhit Bhattacharjee, Radhakanta Tanti, Biresh Deb, Babla DebChowdhury, Abdul Qaiyum Tarafdar, Satya Bhowmik, Mamun Chowdhury, Awami Leagueleaders Mohammad Ilyas and Md. Altafur Rahman Chowdhury, Dr. Md. Abdul Ali, Dr. RamaRanjan Deb, Mohammad Arju Mia, Monir Mia, Ataur Rahman, M.A. Rahim, S.A. Mujib,Mohammad Ismail Hossain, Mohammad Abdul Mannan, and many others.The air echoed with slogans such as “Joy Bangla,” “Bangladesh, a new nation in the world,” anddemands for an end to military rule and implementation of the Six- and Eleven-Point programs.After the procession, a massive public gathering was held at the municipal field where leaders ofNAP and Awami League addressed the crowd. From that day forward, daily marches andprotest activities spread across markets, tea gardens, and villages.On 3 March, when Pakistani forces opened fire in Sylhet, killing a protester, anger spread rapidlyamong the people.On 7 March, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered his historicspeech, which inspired the non-cooperation movement and intensified resistance across the country.On 23 March, under the leadership of the local Chhatra League and Chhatra Union, the Pakistaniflag was lowered in Sreemangal and replaced with the red-green flag of independent Bangladesh.Leaders included M.A. Rahim, Ekram Hossain Chowdhury, Biraj Sen Tarun, Moin Uddin, andSyed Muijur Rahman.On 24 March, a Punjabi SDPO from Moulvibazar arrived and re-hoisted the Pakistani flag. Thefollowing day, protestors surrounded the police station. In front of the authorities, local leaderslowered the Pakistani flag again and raised the flag of Bangladesh.On the night of 27 March, the Officer-in-Charge of Sreemangal Police Station, Sirajul Islam,handed over stored firearms to resistance fighters. Barricades were set up on highways, and treeswere felled to block the advance of Pakistani troops. Leaders including Saidyed Mujibur Rahman,Rasendra Datta, Mohammad Shahjahan Mia, and student activists organized resistance effortswith workers and farmers.Elected representatives Mohammad Ilyas and Md. Altafur RahmanChowdhury went into hiding in the Balishira tea garden area to plan the war effort. Local residentsprepared for possible attacks by gathering bricks, stones, and other materials for defense.On 28 March, a five-member Action Committee was formed to coordinate resistance efforts, withFarid Ahmed Chowdhury as convener and Dr. Abdul Ali, Muhibur Rahman, KamaleshBhattacharjee, and Saiyed Mujibur Rahman as members.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 47Members of the Ansar force including Captain M.A.Musabbir and Captain Matlab, along with localleaders, collected arms from villages and tea gardenmanagers and formed organized freedom fightersquads. Weapons were distributed to trainedvolunteers.On 29 March, Pakistani troops hiding near BhairabBazar suddenly opened fire on a procession, killing aman named Harmuz Mia.On 30 March, Pakistani forces in Moulvibazar senttwo fire brigade vehicles toward Sreemangal under thepretext of extinguishing a fire. Suspecting militaryinvolvement, local youths stopped one vehicle andquestioned its crew, while the other managed to escape.That night, Pakistani forces withdrew fromMoulvibazar toward Sylhet. Meanwhile, students andyoung activists assembled at Victoria High School fieldfor drills and parades, creating the impression of strongorganized resistance.On 31 March, Constituent Assembly member ManikChowdhury arrived in Sreemangal and issued directiveson behalf of the emerging independent Bangladeshauthority to maintain law and order. Retired ColonelAbdur Rab, Dr. Abdul Ali, Mohammad IsmailHossain, and other local leaders gathered EPRmembers and volunteers to prepare for the LiberationWar.Thus, Sreemangal actively participated in the earlyresistance that ultimately became part of thenationwide Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.News broadcast by Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra(Independent Bengal Radio Station)and various international radio stations continuallyreported the indiscriminate atrocities and mass killingscarried out by the Pakistani army, along with thearmed resistance of the Bengali people.During this time, Ansar Commander ManikChowdhury and Mukit Laskar began trainingenthusiastic young volunteers at the field ofSreemangal Victoria High School.On 1 April, Commandant ManikChowdhury and Major C.R. Dutta jointlyarrived in Sreemangal from Habiganj. Witha large resistance force, they advancedtoward Moulvibazar to confront thePakistani army. Major C.R. Dutta, alongwith Mujahid Captain M.A. Musabbir,organized and gathered Mujahid fighters.Among them, Mukit Laskar of Sreemangaland Mohammad Anis, a rickshaw puller,were later killed by Pakistani forces on theSylhet battlefield.On 2 April, this force took position at theMoulvibazar Tourist Guest House.It is to be mentioned here that from 27March, the Sreemangal Municipal Officefunctioned as the control room forcoordinating the Liberation War in greaterSylhet.Until 28 April, freedom fighters engaged infierce resistance and kept the flag ofindependent Bangladesh flying high inSreemangal. During this period, theCommander-in-Chief of the LiberationWar, General M.A.G. Osmani, andBrigadier Pandey visited Sreemangal twice.By 6 April, the situation worsened.Pakistani forces strengthened their positionat Sylhet Airport, turning the region into afull-scale war zone. From the liberated areasof Teliapara and the Sreemangal controlroom, local leaders began sending batchesof freedom fighters into armed combat.During this time, the courageous CaptainAziz was seriously wounded in battle atRashidpur in Sylhet, and several freedomfighters were martyred. Pakistani forcesestablished positions by land and air,transforming the entire Sylhet region intoan active battlefield.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 41In the Battle of Shalutikor, freedom fighter Siraj Mia was captured and brutally beaten. Believedto be dead, he survived by remaining motionless and later escaped despite severe injuries.To prevent the Pakistani army from obtaining food and fuel, all petrol from pumps in Sreemangalwas transported to the Barmachhara training camp. Locks of food warehouses were broken, andrice and wheat were taken to Liberation camps. In Moulvibazar, the National Bank vault wasreportedly blown open, and funds were seized by leaders supporting the Liberation War. TheLSD warehouse in Sreemangal was opened, allowing the public to collect food.On 28 April at 10 a.m., Major Kazi Nuruzzaman arrived in Sreemangal. By then, the warsituation had significantly deteriorated. The environment was tense. Thousands of men, women,and children fled across the border into India to save their lives. Meanwhile, certain antiindependence elements took advantage of the chaos to carry out looting and oppression.Two Pakistani military aircraft then conducted bombing raids over Sreemangal for nearly half anhour. The factory of Majdihi Tea Garden and the ration shop and residence of MudabbirHossain were destroyed. A woman was killed in the bombing, and Mudabbir Hossain and acarpenter were injured. Gouranga Mallik and a rickshaw puller also lost their lives.On 30 April, Pakistani forces entered Sreemangal for the first time and began widespread killings.Aghor Bhattacharjee, Chief Assistant of Mirzapur Tea Garden, was summoned, tortured, andkilled beside the Dhaka–Sylhet highway in Bhunabir Union. Mustafa Alam of NarayancharraTea Garden and his son-in-law were murdered. Tea labor leader Paban Tanti of Rajghat andShambhu Singh of Phuskuri Tea Garden were also killed.In one of the most tragic incidents, 45 tea workers from Bhanugach Tea Garden were lined upnear a bridge beside Sreemangal Government College and shot dead. Their names remainpreserved in local memory as martyrs of the Liberation War.From May onward, Pakistani forces carried out extensive looting, arson, sexual violence, andrepression throughout Sreemangal. Station Road, Moulvibazar Road, and College Road were setablaze and reduced to ruins. BBC journalist Mark Tully later reported on the destruction hewitnessed.During the war, Pakistani officers including Captain Tarek Syed and Captain Selim (at the DakBungalow), Major Ershad (at the WAPDA Rest House), and Lt. Col. Yamin Bhatt (at the SindurKhan EPR Camp) operated in tea gardens and rural areas, carrying out severe repression.Homes of wealthy mainly Hindu families and Awami League leaders involved in the Liberationstruggle were looted and burned. Collaborators seized properties of pro-independence citizens. APeace Committee was formed under the leadership of local Muslim League leader and municipalchairman Dewan Abdur Rashid, who assisted the Pakistani forces.In the city’s Purvasha residential area, eight youths were shot dead with the assistance of localRazakars ( Collaborators). Similar killings took place in tea gardens, where workers weretargeted. Shankar Debnath lost his life while supplying food to freedom fighters.