Bengali migration

The eruption of tragic language riots in Assam in July 1960 can be attributed to the issue of Bengali migration. The migration of Bengali-speaking people from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) to Assam had been a long-standing concern for the Assamese population. The influx of Bengali migrants was viewed as a threat to the cultural, linguistic, and economic interests of the indigenous Assamese population.

Background:
- Assam, located in Northeast India, shares a long border with East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
- The partition of India in 1947 resulted in the creation of East Pakistan, a predominantly Bengali-speaking region.
- The migration of Bengali-speaking people from East Pakistan to Assam began in the 1950s due to various factors such as economic opportunities, political instability, and communal tensions.
- The Assamese population, which consisted of various ethnic groups, became increasingly concerned about the demographic changes caused by the influx of Bengali migrants.

Reasons for Assamese concerns:
1. Cultural and linguistic identity: The indigenous Assamese people feared that the increasing number of Bengali-speaking migrants would dilute the Assamese culture and language. They believed that their unique identity was under threat.
2. Economic competition: The Assamese population also felt that the migrants were taking away job opportunities and resources, leading to economic hardships for the locals.
3. Political representation: The fear of losing political power was another concern. The migrants, if granted citizenship rights, could potentially influence the political landscape of Assam.

Tragic language riots in July 1960:
- The tensions between the Assamese population and the Bengali migrants escalated, leading to violent language riots in July 1960.
- The riots primarily targeted Bengali-speaking people and their properties. Several people were killed, injured, and displaced during the riots.
- The riots had a significant impact on the social fabric of Assam and further deepened the divide between the Assamese and Bengali communities.

Importance of Bengali migration in Assam's history:
- The issue of Bengali migration continued to be a major concern in Assam's politics for several decades.
- It eventually led to the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985, which aimed to address the issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh and protect the interests of the indigenous Assamese population.

In conclusion, the eruption of tragic language riots in Assam in July 1960 was primarily caused by the concerns and tensions arising from the migration of Bengali-speaking people from East Pakistan to Assam. The riots were a manifestation of the deep-rooted anxieties regarding cultural, linguistic, and economic interests of the indigenous Assamese population.