Barsha Rani Bishaya: Modi must Listen to the 'Betis' of Assam and Scrap CAA

By: Rana Pratap Saikia

Prominent Assam actress Barsha Rani Bishaya, who will soon be seen leading an all-women march against the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act in Guwahati at 11 am on January 19, stated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi must listen to the voices of the betis (daughters) of Assam and scrap the controversial legislation.

Walking talking to Inside Northeast, the 'Ratnakar' actress stated that amid the resentment of Assamese women against the controversial 'CAA', the Government must scrap the Bill-turned-Act in keeping with its policy of 'Beti Bachao....Beti Padhao' (Save Women...Educate Women).

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"This Government rode to power with empowerment of women as one of its key poll planks. In fact, that was one of the Government's first promises in its blueprint of development and ushering in of 'achche din'. Thus, they should not disappoint the daughters of Assam. They should repeal the CAA", Barsha told us, exhorting the Government to roll back the controversial legislation.

"Basically, we have to take the movement forward in various shapes and forms, as it is the absolute need of the hour. Our plans to organize an all-women's protest was spontaneous....no organizations are behind it", Ms Bishaya told us, speaking on the lines of a massive protest that is being organized by the women's community of Assam.

"Many housewives who want to be a part of the movement against the CAA are perhaps being held back from participating due to various reasons. Our protest seeks to give voice to these women so that they can express themselves freely. At a time when terms like 'woman power' are being thrown around wantonly, it has become the need-of-the-hour to ensure that not a single voice goes unheard", said the actress, expressing why the rally is important for the women of the State.

"It is necessary for us to continue the agitation against the Bill-turned-Act for the safeguarding of our indigenous identity", Barsha stated, adding that without regional identity, the people of Assam will struggle to assert their rights and their identity, language, and culture will be in jeopardy.

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