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Guwahati

Assam Marks Swahid Diwas; CM Unveils 15-storey Martyrs’ Memorial in Guwahati's Boragaon

Built over 116 bighas of land at an estimated cost of ₹178 crore, the memorial has been dedicated to the 860 martyrs who laid down their lives for the protection of Assamese identity

  • DY365

DY365

Chief Minister Sarma described December 10 as “a sacred day for every Assamese” and recalled his own memories as a student during the movement
Chief Minister Sarma described December 10 as “a sacred day for every Assamese” and recalled his own memories as a student during the movement

Assam on Wednesday observed Swahid Diwas with programmes across the state, honouring the martyrs of the historic Assam Movement. The state-level function, organised by the Assam government, was held at Boragaon in Guwahati, where Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the newly constructed 15-storey Martyrs’ Memorial.

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Built over 116 bighas of land at an estimated cost of ₹178 crore, the memorial has been dedicated to the 860 martyrs who laid down their lives for the protection of Assamese identity. The complex includes a cycling track, an auditorium and green spaces for visitors, designed to help people understand the movement’s history and the sacrifices made. The foundation stone was laid on December 10, 2019, followed by Bhoomi Pujan on 10 December 10, 2020.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Sarma described December 10 as “a sacred day for every Assamese” and recalled his own memories as a student during the movement. “I was a student then. We were in Lakhtokia when the police resorted to lathi-charge. Everyone had taken to the streets to protect Assamese identity,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the memorial’s construction was initiated under the leadership of then Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, adding that this year’s Swahid Diwas was “special and significant” for Assam. “We took up this project in 2019, and today we have built a monumental tribute to our martyrs with an expenditure of about ₹170 crore,” he stated.

CM Sarma alleged that there had been calculated attempts in the past to weaken the Assamese community. “There was a deliberate plan to make our nation weak. Unknown people were entering our sacred spaces. They even tried to attack our heritage, including places like Bordowa and Kaziranga,” he said.

Expressing serious concern over the sale of land to outsiders, the Chief Minister remarked, “I am shocked to see how much land has been sold by our own people. In Tinsukia alone, a large number of unknown individuals have bought land. We cannot allow our land to go into the hands of outsiders.”

He urged people to take a collective responsibility in protecting the state’s identity. “If we surrender even once, we will lose everything. We must not sell land to unknown people. We must not offer them jobs in our shops and businesses. Every Assamese must resolve to safeguard the community,” he said.

Referring to ongoing government measures, Sarma said, “We have freed lakhs of bighas of land from illegal encroachment. Today, outsiders do not get government jobs. We have also introduced stricter land laws to regulate purchase and sale.”

The Chief Minister asserted that the people of Assam would never bow down. “Our community has never surrendered, and we will never surrender. We will fight and we will win,” he declared, urging citizens to visit the new memorial to understand the history of the movement.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and State Minister Atul Bora were also present during the ceremony.

Earlier today, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also paid his respects, calling the Assam Movement a “historic struggle” waged to safeguard the state’s language, culture, demographic character and very existence. He said the agitation brought the Assamese people together with a shared sense of duty towards their land and its future.

Sonowal recalled that 860 people lost their lives over the six years of the movement, while many others endured persecution and life-altering injuries in their effort to defend their homeland. He described Swahid Diwas as a day of solemn reflection, adding that the movement continues to symbolise courage, national consciousness and the steadfast spirit of the Assamese people.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the martyrs of the Assam Movement on the occasion of Swahid Diwas, calling their sacrifices a defining chapter in India’s history.

He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to preserving Assam’s cultural identity and accelerating the state’s development.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said that Swahid Diwas stands as a strong reminder of the bravery and resolve displayed by all who participated in the historic Assam Movement. He noted that the government remains committed to realising the goals of the agitators who fought to protect Assam’s identity and to secure its comprehensive development.

Also Read: Minutes After Admiring Guwahati, She Was Harassed. What Must India Correct Before Hosting the World?

Himanta Biswa Sarma Sarbananda Sonowal
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