Assam Government Pledges Support for Families of Freedom Fighters
Support for Martyrs' Families Announced
A file image of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. (Photo:@CMOfficeAssam/X)
Guwahati, June 15: On Monday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that the state administration will provide assistance to the families of freedom fighters who lack government employment or pensions.
During an event commemorating Swahid Diwas in honor of Kushal Konwar, the sole freedom fighter from Assam executed during the Quit India Movement, Sarma mentioned that discussions are ongoing regarding this support.
"We are actively considering how to assist the families of martyrs who do not have government jobs or pensions," Sarma stated.
While paying homage to Konwar, the Chief Minister referred to him as a patriot and a lasting symbol of bravery, whose legacy continues to motivate the youth.
"He represented not just himself but was a true patriot and a symbol of unwavering courage," Sarma remarked.
Born on March 21, 1905, in what is now Golaghat district, Konwar joined the freedom struggle at the young age of 17, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's call for independence.
In addition to his activism, he supported his family through tough times and played a significant role in founding Rengmai Primary School in 1925, where he served as head teacher for two years.
After working in Assam's tea gardens until 1934, Konwar committed himself entirely to the freedom movement.
Influenced by Gandhi's visit to Golaghat that year, he adopted non-violent principles and renounced the use of salt and other colonial goods.
During the 1942 Quit India Movement, British authorities cracked down on Congress leaders and freedom fighters, leading to widespread protests nationwide.
In the chaos, a train derailment that resulted in the deaths of several British officials led colonial authorities to wrongfully accuse Konwar of orchestrating the incident, despite the absence of evidence. "Even though the verdict was unjust, Konwar displayed no regret, fear, or remorse," Sarma noted.
Bordoloi also remarked on the serene demeanor that adorned Konwar's face in the days leading up to his execution. He was hanged at Jorhat Central Jail on June 15, 1943, at 4 PM, exactly 83 years ago.
Sarma also mentioned the creation of Swaraj Udyan next to the historic jail to honor freedom fighters and encouraged martyr families to visit the site.
He urged the youth of Assam to uphold the values of the martyrs, stating that preserving their legacy and contributing to the development of "Bor Axom" would be the greatest tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the nation's freedom.
"It is due to their sacrifices that we enjoy the privileges of living in a democratic nation today," he concluded.