Inauguration of Martyrs’ Memorial Park in Assam Marks 40 Years of the Assam Accord
Significance of December 10 for Assam
Guwahati, Dec 7: On December 10, Assam will commemorate a significant milestone with the inauguration of the Martyrs’ Memorial Park, honoring the 860 individuals who lost their lives during the Assam Movement, 40 years after the Assam Accord was signed.
The memorial spans 100 bighas and features busts of 869 martyrs. Unfortunately, some martyrs' photographs were unavailable, leading to the creation of busts that include only their names and sketches.
Among its attractions, the memorial includes a tall tower and a meditation center. Each evening, a light and sound show will narrate the history of the Assam Movement. The park also offers jogging and cycling tracks, and an auditorium where songs by renowned artists like Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Jyotiprasad Agarwala, and Zubeen Garg will be played throughout the day.
This year, on Martyrs’ Day, District Commissioners will host events in their respective areas.
Samujjal Bhattacharya, chief adviser of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), expressed that the memorial fulfills a long-standing demand from the AASU and the people of Assam to honor the martyrs. He praised the government's initiative, noting that these 860 individuals sacrificed their lives for a peaceful national cause. He emphasized that the issue of foreign infiltration is not just an Assam concern but a national security threat.
Bhattacharya highlighted that the park will serve as an educational resource for younger generations who did not witness the movement, transforming it into a tourist attraction. Visitors will gain insights into the Assam Movement through the light and sound show. A committee has been established to finalize the script for this presentation, and he urged the government to ensure the park is well-maintained.
However, he acknowledged that the objectives for which these martyrs sacrificed their lives remain unfulfilled. He stressed that true achievement will only come when all provisions of the Assam Accord are enacted and foreign nationals are identified and deported from Assam.