Recalling the ultimate sacrifice of 860 Assam movement martyrs, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the newly built Swahid Smarak Kshetra at Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati.
Offering tributes to Assam heroes at a special prayer ceremony at the Swahid Smarak on the eve of Swahid Divas, the Chief Minister said, “For years, Assam’s bravehearts didn’t have any permanent memorials in honour of their sacrifice in protecting the land, culture and identity of Assam. Correcting this historical anomaly, the Swahid Smarak in Guwahati today stands tall as a testament to their sacrifices. Over 860 young people lost their lives due to the brutality of the then Congress Government in Assam. Their only fault was demanding a secured Assam, demanding an end to illegal infiltration.”
Built at the cost ₹170-crore smarak kshetra in around 150 bighas of land has the busts of 860 martyrs installed. It has a digital library that provides the entire history of the Assam Movement, etc.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma likewise offered “shraddhanjali to Khargeswar Talukdar and the brave hearts of the Assam Movement who gave their lives for Aai Asomi and said, “Their love for the motherland will forever be an inspiration for us as we remember their supreme sacrifice today.”
The Chief Minister further mentioned in X, “With the unveiling of the Swahid Smarak Kshetra, we offer Bir Swahids of the Assam Movement the Shraddhanjali befitting their supreme sacrifice for Aai Asomi. A monument honouring their valour, inspiring generations to serve the motherland with pride.”
The CM further stated, “Under the Double Engine Government, Assam’s heroes are finally getting the honour they deserve. The Swahid Smarak Kshetra built in honour of the martyrs of Assam Agitation will be a timeless reminder of the sacrifice of our heroes.”
He also invited people to visit the site & pay their tributes.
Union Minister & former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal after attending the grand event, posted in X, “I feel extremely happy to see the long-awaited Martyrs’ Memorial Complex and Park—whose foundation stone was laid on December 10, 2019, and whose bhumi pujan (ground-breaking ceremony) was performed on December 10, 2020—finally take shape. On this sacred occasion of Shaheed Divas (Martyrs’ Day), I had the honour of inaugurating this proud project at West Boragaon in Guwahati along with the Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, and of paying my respectful tribute to the timeless martyrs of the historic Assam Movement.”
He added that the unparalleled sacrifice and courage of the martyrs will continue to inspire generations, guiding the Assamese people to play an active role in the unstoppable journey of nation-building by safeguarding our land and homeland, language, traditions, and culture.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his tribute to the martyrs and stated that “we recall the valour of all those who were a part of the Assam Movement.”
He mentioned that India’s history will always hold a special place for the struggle. “We reiterate our commitment to fulfilling the dreams of those who participated in the Assam Movement, notably the strengthening of culture and the all-round progress of the State,” he stated.
