Assam Observes Swahid Diwas Today , CM announces Rs. 2 lakh aid to bullet victims of Assam movement

by Bhupen Goswami

Guwahati : December 10 a significant day in the history of Assam as it marks the day when the people of the state pay their tributes and homages to the brave and courageous souls, who gave up their lives in Assam Movement. Swahid Diwas is observed on the birthday of the first martyr of the movement, Khargeshwar Talukdar, who was killed on 1979 in a clash with police personnel in Bhawanipur Chowk. From 1979 to 1985, 855 people gave up their lives to protect the identity of the people of Assam. Under the aegis of the Assam Government, the day has been observed in Khanapara. While, AASU has organised the day at Nehru Park. On the other hand, AGP observed Swahid Diwas at the party headquarters in Ambari.

Meanwhile Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced one-time financial assistance of Rs. 2 lakh to each of the victims who suffered bullet injuries during Assam movement. Moreover, a book reflecting every aspect of the movement would also be published by the State Government to preserve its rich legacy and showcasing the same to the posterity. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal made these announcements while speaking at the observation of Swahid Divas in the office premises of Assam Accord Implementation Department at Khanapara in Guwahati today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Chief Minister Sonowal asserted the State Government’s commitment to implement every clause of the Assam Accord in letter and spirit and to safeguard the interests of the people of the State. “The Assam movement was a strong manifestation of people’s power and great example of non-violent means of protest. This was one of the most significant parts of India’s history as the movement aimed at safeguarding unity and sovereignty of the country”, he said adding that the State Government accords top priority to implementation of Assam accord, with active support and cooperation of the people of the State.

 He said that Assam Accord aims at detection, deletion and deportation of foreigners from the State and due to the State Government’s committed efforts Indo-Bangla border fencing work, with technological interventions at riverine areas has made significant headway. He also thanked the people of the border districts of Cachar, Karimganj, Dhubri and South Salmara for their cooperation in successfully taking forward the fencing work. Stating that people of the State thwarting evil designs of divisive forces that tried to derail the NRC updating process, made publication of final draft of NRC possible, the Chief Minister hoped that people would continue their cooperation at the claims & objection process as well saying that an error-free NRC would be a major deterrent against the illegal foreigners.

 The Chief Minister also praised the role played by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in highlighting the Assam Movement at the national level. “Vajpayee ji who supported the aims and objectives of the movement raised the issue of illegal migration to Assam at the national level through his fiery speeches at the parliament and different parts of the country. He made to realize the people of the country that the problem faced by Assam during that tumultuous period was not limited to the boundary of the State alone and it was more of a national problem”. Sonowal further said that the state government has been working to fully safeguard the interests of the local people and uphold their rights. He also vowed to continue the Government’s efforts resolutely and urged people not to panic.

The Chief Minister further observed that implementing the Assam Accord is a national duty and called upon everyone to extend cooperation with the Government in performing this responsibility. Industry & Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary while delivering speech on the occasion underlined his association with the Assam Movement and various steps being taken up by the State Government to immortalize the contributions of the martyrs. He also appreciated Chief Minister Sonowal’s role in scrapping the IMDT Act and securing the future of the people of the State through implementation of every clause of the Assam Accord. Earlier, explaining the objective of the programme, Principal Secretary of Home & Political Department LS Changsan informed that construction of Swahid Udyan spread over an area of 100 bigha in Guwahati has already begun. Besides, the State Government in a bid to speed up implementation of Assam Accord already opened an independent office of the Assam Accord Implementation Department and a photo gallery on Assam Movement, she informed. Minister of Tourism Chandan Brahma also spoke on the occasion. The programme was also attended by Minister of State for Power (independent) Topon Kumar Gogoi, MLA Rituparna Baruah, Chief Minister’s Legal Adviser Santanu Bharali, Chief Secretary Alok Kumar, DGP Kuladhar Saikia, senior officials of State Government among others.