Barak state movement

The Barak state movement includes socio-political activities organised by various individuals, organizations and political parties, for the creation of a separate state within the Republic of India, consisting of the areas of the present state of Assam that fall within the Barak River's drainage basin (in contrast with the rest of the state, that falls within the Brahmaputra's drainage basin), in a unique geographical-cultural area known as the Barak Valley. The proposed state corresponds roughly to Assam's 3 southern districts of Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj, as well as parts of Dima Hasao. Some more maximalist definitions seek to include, in whole or in part, the Bengali-majority district of Hojai (which would require the integration of the entirety of Dima Hasao, for the sake territorial continuity) and possibly Jiribam district in Manipur. The area is covered by thick tropical forests and is surplus in natural resources like tea, oil, natural gas and jute. There are around 125 tea gardens across the Valley. The Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri on a visit have stated that the region is rich in natural gas and have further said that, "If those huge reserve is properly used, then it will definitely boost local industry & employment.