GUWAHATI, Dec 10: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on the occasion of Swahid Divas, paid rich tributes to all martyrs of the Assam Movement who laid down their lives in protecting the honour of Jati, Mati and Bheti.
‘Swahid Diwas’ commemorates the death of Khargeswar Talukdar, considered the first “martyr” of the six-year-long Assam Agitation, which had ended with the signing of the Assam Accord on August 15, 1985.
Several programmes were organised in various parts of the state to commemorate ‘Swahid Diwas’.
While attending an observance organised by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha at Jamugurihat in Sonitpur district on Tuesday, he said, “Swahid Divas is a solemn occasion to remember the stellar contributions of the martyrs who protected the honour of Assam”.
He also said, “We must not forget the dark days of history when over 800 innocent and patriotic people from Assam were killed trying to preserve the honour of their beloved State.”
Sarma said that the State government is working tirelessly for the people of Assam to ensure preservation of their identity and ensuring their development. “The government is also working towards delimitation to restrict the impact of infiltrators. Moreover, the State government has cleared 10 thousand hectares of land from encroachment,” he said.
Remembering the supreme sacrifice of Khargeswar Talukdar, the chief minister said, “His sacrifice created a pall of gloom across the state as well as the country. Inspired by Khargeswar Talukdar, other martyrs numbering more than 800 also laid down their lives for the cause of the state.”
Sarma also said that the Assam Movement was a manifestation of a resolution to protect Assam and its people from the scourge of illegal migration.
He stated, “Even after decades of agitation, the uncertainty shrouding Assam is yet to be over. The state is still facing threats of demographic change. Every day the indigenous Assamese people are losing rights over land. The State government is working to safeguard the rights of the people of the state over land.”
“Even after criticism from all quarters, the State government took steps to evict illegal settlers from Gorukhuti and it was a success. In the last three years, the State government worked relentlessly to secure the land rights of the indigenous people of the state. All illegal encroachment in Kaziranga have been evicted.”
Sarma reiterated the commitment of the government by reminding the construction of the imposing 125-foot statue of Vir Lachit Borphukan at Holongapar in Jorhat, and the translation of books encompassing facts and figures of Lachit Borphukan into different languages testify to the unwavering commitment of the government.
He also said, “The Charideo Moidam in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site is yet another effort of the State government to promote the rich heritage of Assam at global landscape.”
Moreover, granting classical language status to the Assamese language, setting up Kanaklata University at Gohpur etc, also reflect the State government’s endeavour and efforts for the protection and preservation of the heritage of Assam.
“As a mark of respect to the martyrs of Assam Agitation, the State government is also building a memorial involving a financial outlay of Rs 100 crore in Guwahati. The project is at the last stage of its completion,” Sarma added.
He also said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the delimitation exercise in all the 126 Legislative Assembly constituencies in Assam secured at least 105 constituencies for the indigenous people.
The chief minister on the occasion also called upon the youth of the state to study the rise of Israel and learn from the country as to how self-reliance can spell wonder for the forward march of a nation.
MLAs Bhabesh Kalita, Padma Hazarika, Prithviraj Rabha, Manab Deka, Ganesh Limbo, Utpal Bora, Promode Borthakur, Krishna Kamal Tanti, Diplu Ranjan Sarma, Diganta Ghatowar and host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
