GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called for the need to learn from Israel’s resilience to protect Assam’s cultural and economic identity. While speaking at ‘Swahid Diwas’ in Jamugurihat, Sonitpur, Sarma highlighted Assam’s geographical vulnerabilities and the challenges brought by demographic changes.
“Over time, Assam had bordered Bangladesh, Myanmar, and West Bengal, so our boundary was always insecure. Now, the Assamese people have been in a minority position in 12 districts, said Sarma. He said people must take lessons from Israel and how it is managed with knowledge, science, and bravery in the face of adversity.
‘Swahid Diwas’ to pay tribute to Khargeswar Talukdar who was the first martyr during the six-year-long Assam Agitation that reached its culmination in the form of the Assam Accord of 1985. Sarma said that it is true that political safeguards have been achieved through delimitation, but the danger of outsiders remains.
“Even after nearly 40 years, the demographic changes and loss of indigenous land rights persist. The Assamese people must strive for economic self-reliance to secure our future,” Sarma urged.
The CM criticized Congress, saying that it enables Assamese people to lose their lands. “In more than 12 districts, we are in a minority. Congress supporters are weakening our community and emboldening outsiders,” he said.
Sarma also pointed out the government’s efforts, saying that 10,000 hectares of encroached land have been cleared in the last three years, which is the size of Chandigarh.
The CM called on Assam’s youth to reclaim economic independence, urging them to engage in farming, industrial work, and other sectors dominated by “unknown people.” He asserted that Assamese people no longer support traditional protests like strikes but prefer movements focused on economic empowerment.
“Building a strong community requires work and wisdom, not just emotions. Our agitation must now be in fields, industries, and workplaces,” Sarma said.
Underlining infrastructure development, Sarma promised a medical college and a university in every district besides bridges across the Brahmaputra in every district it passes through. He again underlined that the government was committed to protecting Assam’s cultural and economic identity, emphasizing that the time won through political safeguards must be used properly.
The CM concluded by reiterating his government’s resolve to fight for the survival and prosperity of the Assamese community.
