Archive · 29 Jun 2025
Remembering 1961 Silchar Language Movement and Its Survivors
Back in 1961, people in Silchar were upset because the government wanted everyone to speak only Assamese.
They held a protest, but the police got violent.
They hit people with sticks, used tear gas, and even shot at them.
Many people were hurt, and some died.
The people were fighting to protect their own language, Bengali.
The event is still remembered and talked about years later.
In 1961, Silchar residents protested against the Assam government's law making Assamese the sole state language.
The protest at Silchar station involved picketing and blocking rail routes.
Police used lathi charges, tear gas, and gunfire against the protestors.
Eleven people died in the conflict, including student Kamala Bhattacharya.
Survivors recall the events, injuries, and the lasting impact of the language movement.
- Who
- Residents of Silchar protesting the language policy and the Assam police.
- What
- A protest against the Assam government's language policy turned violent, resulting in deaths and injuries.
- When
- May 19, 1961
- Where
- Silchar, Assam
- Why
- To protest against the Assam government's decision to make Assamese the sole state language.
Protestors
Government of Assam
Language Policy
Protestors
Demand for the protection and recognition of Bengali language rights.
Government of Assam
Government's decision to implement Assamese as the sole official language.
- Event
- Silchar Language Movement
- Date
- May 19, 1961
- Location
- Silchar, Assam
- Cause
- Opposition to the Assamese language policy
- Deaths
- 11
- Key Figure
- Kamala Bhattacharya