Assam: Barak Valley MLA stages protest against India-Bangladesh trade, burns Bangladeshi goods

Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, an MLA from Barak Valley, staged a dramatic protest on Monday by burning Bangladeshi goods at Bisharjan Ghat on Kali Bari Road. 

The protest was in response to continued trade activities between India and Bangladesh, defying calls for a boycott over the alleged mistreatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh and demands for the release of Ickon’s Saint Chinmoy Prabhu.

Purkayastha personally blocked the trade route at the ghat and set fire to goods arriving from Bangladesh, signalling his frustration with the ongoing import-export activities. 
"India is a self-reliant country, and we do not need goods from Bangladesh," the MLA declared, emphasizing his stance against the economic ties.

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The protest is part of a larger movement in the Barak Valley, where several groups and individuals have demanded a halt to trade with Bangladesh. 

On Sunday, the Sri Bhumi District Import-Export Association announced via social media its intention to suspend all trade with Bangladesh, but goods continued to exchange hands at Bisharjan Ghat, prompting Purkayastha’s intervention.

The protest underscores rising tensions in the region over cross-border trade amidst broader political and social concerns. Many in Barak Valley have called for a reevaluation of trade ties with Bangladesh, citing human rights issues and demands for justice.

Observers suggest that this incident could escalate local resistance to trade and bring national attention to the grievances voiced by the Barak Valley community.