Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and said, “Today, on Swahid Diwas, we recall the valour of all those who were a part of the Assam Movement. The Movement will always have a prime place in our history. We reiterate our commitment to fulfilling the dreams of those who participated in the Assam Movement, notably the strengthening of Assam’s culture and the all-round progress of the state.”
Union Home minister Amit Shah stated in X, “On Swahid Diwas, remembering the sacrifices made by the people of Assam during the Assam Movement. They faced the odds and shaped the history of Assam, creating a peerless example of patriotism. The NDA government led by Modi Ji is ensuring that their aspirations are fulfilled and is leading the state on the path of peace, progress, and growth”.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated an official memorial, honouring the 860 people killed in the 1979-85 Assam Agitation against illegal infiltrators, in Guwahati.
Implementation of Assam Accord Department Minister Atul Bora said, “ On this very day in 1979, Khargeswar Talukdar sacrificed his life during protests against the inclusion of foreign names in electoral rolls. In the Bhabanipur incident in which Talukdar, then the general secretary of the Barpeta AASU unit, was beaten to death by security forces, and noted that December 10 came to symbolise remembrance of all martyrs of the six-year agitation.”
The Swahid Smarak Kshetra, whose foundation stone was laid by then Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on December 10, 2019, has been built on 116 bighas of land at a cost of Rs 178 crore. It features a 225-ft central memorial, 860 statues, a meditation hall, a laser show arena, a horticulture garden, a food court, an auditorium and a cycle track.
Sarma said,” To protect our land, culture and identity from ‘unknown people’, I appeal to all Assamese not to sell their land to persons with suspicious antecedents, give them jobs or allow them to encroach our lands and religious places.” Led by student organisations like the All-Assam Students Union (AASU), the movement saw participation of people from all sections. The six yearlong movement culminated in the signing of the tripartite Assam Accord.
The inaugural event was attended by Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal, state ministers, MLAs, family members of the martyrs and other dignitaries.
