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. MeanwhileThe Assam government would soon launch a new book on Assam Movement that took place from 1979-1985 against illegal immigrants in Assam.
The Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal said this while attending a public meeting on the occasion of Swahid Divas(Martyrs Day) organised by the state government at Khanapara. Sonowal also announced that the tortured and the disabled would get an one-time financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh. While,All Assam Students Union (AASU) has organised the day at Nehru Park. On the other hand, AGP observed Swahid Diwas at the party headquarters in Ambari. The Assam movement, led by AASU and the ‘All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad’ (AAGSP), developed a program of protests and demonstration to compel the Indian government to identify and expel illegal, (mostly Bangladeshi), immigrants and protect and provide constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to the indigenous Assamese people. The Nellie massacre and Khoirabari massacre were some cases of extreme violence. The agitation program ended in August 1985 following the Assam Accord, which was signed by leaders of AASU-AAGSP and the Government of India. The agitation leaders formed a political party, Assam Gana Parishad. It came to power in the state of Assam in the Assembly elections of 1985 and later in 1996.
