Kamtapur Progressive Party (KPP) will launch a stir demanding recognition of Kamtapur language at national level and a separate state comprising north Bengal and lower Assam.
Addressing the reporters in Cooch Behar today, KPP general secretary Uttam Kumar Roy said, “Our movement is totally against the central government for alleged deprivation of the people of Kamtapur despite assurance. Since the Lok Sabha elections will be held shortly, we have decided to launch a stir across north Bengal against the BJP-led central government.”
Showcasing a letter, issued by the secretary, home affairs department on 17 August 2022, in response to a memorandum, served by the KPP, party’s general secretary Mr Roy said: “The Union home department assured us that the demand for the recognition of our language would be considered. More than a year has gone but the Centre has not yet responded to our demand. The MPs and MLAs belonging to the BJP in north Bengal had spoken about a separate state of north Bengal, but finally it has proved that was their false propaganda.”
According to Mr Roy, the KPP activists will pay homage to Bir Chila Ray, a great warrior who belonged to the Koch Royal dynasty of Kamtapur, in Cooch Behar on 24 and 25 February. The KPP would take out a protest rally in Cooch Behar on 29 February on the issue of recognition of their language and separate state.
Mr Roy also said: “KPP leaders and activists would stage a dharna at Bhetaguri on 6 March on the same issue.”
Notably, Union minister of state for home affairs Nisith Pramanik lives there.
The KPP leadership has planned to organise similar programmes in other districts of north Bengal.