In a historic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday became the first sitting Prime Minister of India to officially recognize and pay homage to the martyrs of the Assam Agitation. The solemn tribute took place at the newly inaugurated 'Swahid Smarak Kshetra' memorial in Guwahati, marking a pivotal moment in the state's political narrative.
A Memorial to Sacrifice: The Swahid Smarak Kshetra
The memorial, situated in Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati, was inaugurated on December 10. Constructed at a cost of Rs 170 crore, it stands as a permanent testament to the historic anti-foreigners movement that shook Assam from 1979 to 1985. The agitation, spearheaded by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP), was a mass movement demanding a solution to the persistent issue of illegal immigration.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi paid floral tributes at the Swahid Pranam Jyoti, an eternal flame lit in memory of the 860 martyrs who lost their lives during the six-year-long struggle. He also toured galleries displaying busts of the martyrs, paying respects to Khargeswar Talukdar, recognized as the first martyr of the movement, whose death became a catalyst for the widespread protests.
Emotional Tributes and Political Significance
Expressing his sentiments, Prime Minister Modi took to social media, stating, "The sacrifices made during the Assam movement are an integral part of Assam’s identity and collective memory. We remain resolute in our commitment to working tirelessly for Assam’s progress, prosperity, and cultural pride." He described his experience at the Swahid Gallery as deeply moving, highlighting the courage of those who laid down their lives.
The visit held profound emotional and political significance. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who accompanied the PM alongside Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and Assam Accord Implementation Minister Atul Bora, emphasized that no previous Prime Minister had formally recognized these martyrs. Sarma framed the event as a moment of pride and a stark contrast to the past.
In a sharp political critique, CM Sarma targeted the Congress party, which was in power at the Centre during the agitation. He accused Congress of "promoting illegal infiltration" and "massacring sons of the soil," contrasting that era with the present focus on development and recognition of sacrifice under PM Modi's leadership.
A Day of Engagement in Guwahati
Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi also participated in the 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' event aboard the river cruise vessel Charaidew II on the Brahmaputra River. He interacted with 25 students from various districts of Assam, discussing educational topics and offering encouragement. The day's events were conducted under tight security, with personnel from the river police, NDRF, and SDRF ensuring safety.
This combined itinerary—honoring a poignant chapter of Assam's history and engaging with its youth—underscored a dual focus on respecting the past while investing in the future of the state.
