68 YEARS OF WAIT IS OVER: TNI SPECIAL REPORT ON CHITMAHAL

By Pradip Kundu (TNI Coochbehar) ~ Edited By Pradiptamay Saha (TNI Siliguri)

Webdesk, TNI Cooch Behar, 03rd August, 2015: 68 years of deprivation came to an end finally when residents of 51 enclaves (chitmahals) became a citizen of India in the midnight of 31st July. Decades after decades people awaited this moment of freedom. The eldest living person among these 51 enclaves is Janab Aasgar Aali. At the age of 106 years ultimately he found a country, an address, a citizenship of dignity. When the ray of eyes was about to deemed then suddenly the ray of hope glittered and he got the best gift of his life – a new dawn fulfilled with a dream seen long years back. The podium of the official program was named after the Late A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the visionary ex-President of India. M.L.A. Mr. Rabindra Nath Ghosh hosted the flag on the mid night of 31st July. Mr. Krishanva Ghosh, S.D.O. Dinhata; Augustine Lepcha, ex-S.D.O. Dinhata; Udayan Guha, Chairman of Dinahata Municipality; Abraham Lincoln, Advocate of Bangladesh High Court and Legal Advisor of “Chitmahal Binimoy Committee” (Enclave Exchange Committee) was present. Diptiman Sengupta who has struggled to date for the rights and dignities of chitmahal residents expressed his satisfaction but didn’t forget to mention that his struggle will continue for the inclusive development and betterment of these historically deprived masses. People celebrated in joy when 68 candles were lit. However, in this historical day, people didn’t forget to remember their leader Late M.L.A Dipak Sengupta, who had struggle his whole life for this day. Sunanda Sengupta, wife of Late Dipak Sengupta was also present in the ceremony. In a paper now the residents of chitmahals are the citizens of India. Is it the end of the story? No. This is the beginning of a new era. So many things to be done, so many miles to go. Until we are being able to provide them schools, hospitals, justice, security this mere citizenship will not change their life.

Photo: Pradip Kundu (TNI)