The game of silencing our voices. From 1961 to 2026.
Over the years, we have witnessed the prejudice, mockery, trolling, and hostility that many people from Barak Valley have faced across different spaces. Too often, our concerns were ignored, and those who stood with us were heavily outnumbered. Our purpose was never to spread hatred. It was to speak about our people, our history, our identity, and our issues with honesty.
Yet, even raising our voice came at a cost. Our subreddit was banned before we could take forward something meaningful we had planned for our community. Since the beginning, we faced repeated hostility simply for existing as a community space. Despite that, we continued because we believed Barak deserved a voice.
For those of us who grew up in Silchar, 19th May carries deep meaning. It is a reminder of sacrifice, identity, and resilience. We had hoped to mark this day by beginning something bigger for our people. That path may have changed, but the purpose has not.
If anyone believes the voice of Barak can be silenced by pressure, hostility, or attempts to shut communities down, they are mistaken. They have tried it before on 1961 and they can try now. Communities are not built on platforms. They are built on people, memory, and shared purpose.
This is not the end. This is a new beginning.
Jai Hind. Jay Barak.