Swahid Divas or Martyrs’ Day was observed with solemn reverence across the State to honour the martyrs of the historic 1979–1985 Assam Movement. From hill districts to riverine plains, people from all walks of life gathered at district and co-district headquarters to pay homage to the 855 individuals who laid down their lives during the mass agitation that reshaped the political and social landscape of the State.
In Golaghat, the district-level ceremony was held at the Golaghat Samannayskhetra, drawing over 12,000 participants. The event was graced by Minister Ajanta Neog. Also present were Khumtai MLA Mrinal Saikia, senior district officials and police officers.
The State-level ceremony, held at West Boragaon in Guwahati, began with the lighting of the martyrs’ lamp and the laying of floral wreaths at the Shahid Bedi. As chants of “Swahid Pranamu Tumak” resonated across the venue with Cabinet minister Ajanta Neog stating, “The martyrs of the Assam Movement are the foundation of Assam’s existence, dignity, and heritage.” The ceremony was beamed live through various social media handles.
The observance of Swahid Divas in Dhemaji was attended by Minister Ranoj Pegu as a chief guest who paid homage to the martyrs by offering floral tributes and lighting the ceremonial diya at the Swahid Bedi. In Dhemaji families of 17 martyrs were present to honour the memory of their loved ones.
A powerful moment of unity and homage was witnessed when around 10,000 voices joined together in singing “Swahid Pranamo Tumak”, creating an atmosphere of deep emotion and collective pride as the district remembered the supreme sacrifices of the martyrs.
The programme concluded with the National Anthem, marking the end of a day dedicated to remembrance, unity, and honouring Assam’s proud legacy.
In Haflong, the observance was held at the District Commissioner’s conference hall, where District Commissioner Munindra Nath Ngatey along with officials of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), Additional Deputy Commissioners and other dignitaries, offered floral wreaths and lit ceremonial lamps in memory of the martyrs.
Addressing the gathering, DC recalled that Martyrs’ Day commemorates the supreme sacrifices of those who lost their lives during the Assam Movement, led by the All Assam Students’ Union.
He noted that the movement’s demand for the detection and deportation of illegal immigrants culminated in the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985. “Swahid Divas serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made to preserve Assamese identity and continues to inspire civic consciousness and unity across the State,” he said.
In Jagiroad, the co-district administration observed Swahid Divas at the multipurpose auditorium with Co-District Commissioner Hriday Kumar Das leading the memorial ceremony. The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a moving choral tribute to the martyrs of the Assam Movement. The highlight of the event was the rendition of “Swahid Pronamu Tumak,” composed by legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika, performed by 107 students of Jagiroad College.
The District Administration in Udalguri observed Swahid Divas at Ranthali Stadium, Kalaigaon where over 4,500 participants from every corner of the district came together, joining their voices in the collective singing of Swahid Pranamo Tumak. Family members of the martyrs graced the occasion and were felicitated with deep respect.
Tamulpur also joined the State-wide observance organised at Sri Sri Jagannath aru Gopal Than Satra, Kochubari. District Commissioner Pankaj Chakravarty, offered floral tributes and reflected on the legacy of the Assam Movement martyrs, stating, “Where heroes are revered, heroes are born there,” and fondly remembered Tamulpur’s own swahids —Pramod Kalita, Thaneshwar Das, Boga Kakati, Parashuram Patowary, Prafulla Rajbanshi and others. On the occasion, 12 martyrs’ families were felicitated.
In Nazira co-district administration, the event saw the participation of thousands, including students, teachers and local residents. In a deeply emotional moment, around 4,000 people formed a human chain and sang “Shahid Pranamo Tomak” in unison, paying collective tribute to the fallen heroes.
Similarly, Bokakhat Higher Secondary School’s open auditorium hosted a commemorative programme in which the central observance at Bora Gaon, Guwahati, was displayed virtually. During the event, 125 persecuted individuals of Bokakhat were honoured in recognition of their suffering and contribution during the movement.
