Assam observes Swahid Divas

Guwahati: People of Assam observed Swahid Divas on 10 December, which is also recognised as global human rights day. Assam witnessed the first martyr of six-year long anti-foreigners movement as Khargeswar Talukder died after facing police atrocities on 10 December 1979 in Bhabanipur locality of western Assam.
State chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while attending the Swahid Divas at Swahid Smarak Park at Paschim Boragaon area of Guwahati, commented that sacrifices and heroism of the martyrs in Assam agitation would continue to inspire the people to embark on a new economic and political movement for the survival of the Assamese community.
He also released the 2nd & 3rd volume of the database on Assam agitation titled Asom Andolonor Tathyakosh and launched a rupees five crore corpus fund to benefit individuals affected by the agitation that culminated in 1985.
“Swahid Khargeswar Talukder sacrificed his life for safeguarding our land from the aggression of illegal migrants, while taking part at the spontaneous mass movement in Bhabanipur,” said Sarma adding that with an aim to uphold the pride of Assamese people, more than 850 youths sacrificed their lives in theagitation.
However he admitted that in spite of their sacrifices, the Assamese community remains unsafe till date as it loses socio-economic power. Moreover their political authority is greatly challenged today, observed Sarma adding that the present government is working to rebuild the community. He also urged everyone to take part in the movement for regaining economic and political power from the hands of aggressors.