Decades after the deadly 1961 violence in Silchar, Assam, a new study exposes the real causes behind this turbulent chapter. Published in Contemporary South Asia, the research says the crisis was not inevitable but caused by political decisions, policy failures, and deep-rooted historical fears. The authors are Md. Chingiz Khan, Ravi Shankar, and Bharti Shokeen. The trouble began when Assam’s government made Assamese the only official language in 1961, allowing limited Bengali use in parts of the Barak Valley. This led to massive protests, climaxing in police firing that killed 11 people on May 19, a tragedy still remembered strongly in the region. The study stresses the conflict wasn’t just Assamese against Bengali. Assam is a multilingual, multi-ethnic state with many communities living together. Language policies turned this diversity into tension and disruption. The British colonial era shaped this mix by ranking languages, pushing Bengali as top in the 19th century, which later switched to favor Assamese, triggering resentment. Language became more than words—it meant power, jobs, political influence, and land control. Bengali speakers in Cachar felt pushed aside by Assamese rules, while Assamese in Brahmaputra Valley saw any Bengali concessions as threats. The authors say the 1961 violence was fueled by popular anger and government failure. Attempts like the Shastri Formula couldn’t calm tensions. Political rifts and media coverage made things worse. Importantly, the study rejects labeling the conflict as religious, noting Hindus, Muslims, and tribal groups all took part. Language unity crossed religion, showing the limits of Hindu-Muslim division stories. Smaller linguistic groups also got sidelined in this fight. Finally, the researchers warn that the 1961 fault lines still affect debates on citizenship and identity today, especially with laws like the NRC and the Citizenship Amendment Act. They conclude that forcing one language on a diverse society risks unrest and conflict.