Amra Bangali protests alleged targeted attacks on Bengalis in Odisha, citing violence in Malkangiri, cultural discrimination, and political negligence. The group demands arrests, compensation, security, and constitutional protection through a socio-economic region safeguarding Bengali identity and rights.
The Amra Bangali political organization held a major protest on Thursday, alleging systematic and targeted violence against Bengali communities in Odisha and several other parts of India. Party members claimed that the attacks have escalated in recent months and demanded urgent intervention from both the Odisha government and central authorities.
Addressing the media, Amra Bangali State Secretary Gouranga Rudra Pal stated that Bengalis across multiple regions have been facing continuous intimidation, assaults, and discrimination since the beginning of the year. He claimed that the violence is being justified under the pretext of “identifying infiltrators,” even though the affected people are legitimate residents, citizens, and in many cases descendants of freedom fighters.
Rudra Pal alleged that the attacks are not limited to physical violence but extend to cultural and linguistic identity. Highlighting several symbolic incidents, he said that Bengali cultural icons and heritage have come under assault. According to him, national and regional symbols deeply associated with Bengali identity—such as Rabindranath Tagore’s “Amar Sonar Bangla,” Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s “Vande Mataram,” Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s slogan “Azad Hind,” and the legacy of social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy—have been subjected to derogatory remarks or targeted disrespect in recent times.
The allegations intensified when the party highlighted a serious incident reported from Malkangiri district in Odisha. Rudra Pal stated, “On December 7, a planned and violent attack was allegedly carried out on a Bengali settlement in Malkangiri. According to ground reports, more than a hundred houses were set on fire, property worth crores of rupees was destroyed, and widespread looting took place.”
He further alleged that the violence did not stop there. “Shockingly, on December 8, the attackers reportedly returned. They carried out more arson and looting, this time in front of police personnel who, according to eyewitnesses, took no action.” The party strongly criticized the alleged inaction of law enforcement and demanded immediate accountability.
Citing testimonies of victims, Amra Bangali claimed that such attacks have intensified after the BJP came to power in Odisha earlier this year. The party also accused Congress MLA Mangu Khilla of fueling anti-Bengali sentiments. They referred to a speech delivered by Khilla in the Odisha Assembly on December 8, where he allegedly made remarks that the party described as hate-filled and divisive.
Amra Bangali emphasized that Bengalis have a long-established presence in Odisha spanning several generations. According to the organization, many Bengali families settled in Odisha as early as 1964 due to various socio-political circumstances, and since then, they have contributed significantly to local development, trade, education, and cultural life. The protesters also reminded that historically, regions such as Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar had strong administrative and cultural links with the larger Bengal region. They highlighted that cities like Cuttack—known as the birthplace of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose—and Bhubaneswar have maintained vibrant Bengali communities for decades.
The Amra Bangali Tripura State Committee, joining the protest, strongly condemned the recent wave of violence and issued a set of demands to both the state and central governments. These include:
Immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of all individuals involved in the Malkangiri attacks.
Full compensation, security, and rehabilitation for all Bengali families affected by the violence.
Formation of a self-sufficient socio-economic region under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution to protect the language, culture, and constitutional rights of Bengalis.
The party stated that such a socio-economic region was among the commitments made to Bengali populations during the time of Partition but remains unfulfilled even after several decades. According to them, the current incidents highlight the urgent need for a dedicated administrative mechanism to ensure cultural and constitutional protection.
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The protest ended with a strong declaration from the agitators: unless the demands are met, their movement will continue across multiple states. They asserted that they are committed to safeguarding the identity, safety, and future of Bengalis not only in Odisha but across India.
