Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday commemorated Swahid Diwas, paying tributes to those who participated in the Assam Movement.
Acknowledging the enduring legacy of the movement, PM Modi said it “continues to inspire generations,” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to realizing Assam’s “vision of cultural strength and holistic development.”
In a post on X, the Prime Minister 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.”
The Assam Movement, also known as the Anti-Foreigners Agitation (1979–1985), was an uprising in the state of Assam, demanding detection, disenfranchisement, and deportation of illegal immigrants, primarily from neighbouring Bangladesh.
Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Assam agitation martyrs. In a post on X, Shah said, “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 said that the formal inauguration of the Swahid Smarak would take place at 11 a.m., followed by the lighting of an eternal flame at 4 p.m. to honour the martyrs.
Sarma described the inauguration as a historic moment occurring nearly 45 years after the martyrdom of Swahid Khargeswar Talukdar. “This is the first time the state government is formally honouring the martyrs on such a large scale. The memorial will stand as a permanent tribute to those who laid down their lives for the cause of Assam,” he said.
The newly inaugurated Swahid Smarak is designed to document the history of the Assam Movement from 1979 to 1985. It features installations illustrating key events and sacrifices, along with spaces dedicated to public gatherings, educational activities, and cultural programmes.
(With IANS inputs)
