A Congress delegation met the Chairman of the Human Rights Commission on Tuesday to highlight alleged human rights violations affecting 92 minority families residing in the Matinagar border area under the Kamalasagar Assembly constituency. The delegation raised serious concerns over the hardships faced by these families due to border security measures and alleged administrative negligence.
Congress Leaders Speak Out
The delegation was led by Pradesh Congress spokesperson Prabir Chakraborty and included senior party members such as vice president Shanti Ranjan Debnath, Youth Leader Sahajan Islam, Student Leader Amir Hossain, and Congress Leader Tajul Islam. They presented a detailed account of the struggles faced by border residents, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.
Impact of Border Security Measures
The Congress leaders pointed out that the barbed wire fencing along the India-Bangladesh border had resulted in significant displacement, depriving families of their homes, farmlands, and essential facilities. Many residents, they claimed, have been left stranded in isolated pockets, facing extreme difficulties in accessing their agricultural land and daily necessities.
In addition to land displacement, the delegation highlighted two major concerns—restricted border gate access and arbitrary electricity disconnections—both of which have severely disrupted the livelihoods of affected families.
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Restricted Border Gate Access: The delegation alleged that authorities had imposed stringent restrictions on the operational hours of border gates, limiting residents’ ability to travel freely between their homes and farmlands. Many farmers, who depend on cross-border movement for their agricultural activities, have been struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
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Electricity Disconnections: Congress leaders further claimed that the arbitrary disconnection of electricity in areas like Matinagar and Jaipur had plunged many families into darkness, depriving them of basic necessities and worsening their already dire living conditions. They argued that such actions violated fundamental human rights and demanded immediate rectification.
Congress Condemns Violations, Calls for Immediate Action
Strongly condemning these incidents as blatant human rights violations, the Congress delegation urged the government to take immediate steps to address the crisis. They demanded:
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Immediate Restoration of Electricity: The delegation called for the urgent reconnection of power supply to affected households, ensuring that residents are not deprived of basic utilities.
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Unhindered Border Gate Access: Congress leaders insisted that authorities adhere to central government regulations and provide unrestricted access for residents to move between their homes and agricultural land.
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Administrative Intervention: The delegation urged the administration to take proactive measures in resolving the grievances of border residents, ensuring their right to a dignified and uninterrupted livelihood.
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Prevention of Further Harassment: Calling for accountability, Congress leaders demanded that security forces and local authorities refrain from imposing unnecessary restrictions that further victimize the already struggling families.
Congress Pledges Continued Support
Reaffirming their commitment to the cause, Congress leaders assured the affected families that they would continue pressing the government and human rights bodies until concrete measures were implemented. The delegation warned that if no action was taken, they would intensify their movement to safeguard the rights of the border residents.
The Congress party has vowed to take this issue to higher authorities, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized families of Matinagar are heard and justice is delivered.
