Preparations are underway for the inauguration of the ‘Martyrs Memorial and Martyrs Park’ at West Boragaon, Guwahati, Kamrup metro, which is being developed to honour the 855 martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the six-year-long Assam Movement (1979–1985).

  • The memorial will be inaugurated on December 10, observed as Swahid Divas (Martyrs’ Day) in Assam — a day of remembrance and gratitude to those who fought for the protection of the state’s indigenous identity and rights.
    • Swahid Divas is observed every year across Assam to commemorate the first martyr of the Assam Movement, Khargeswar Talukdar.
    • Khargeswar Talukdar, a young volunteer of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), was killed during a police firing at Bhabanipur in Barpeta district on December 10, 1979.
    • His sacrifice became the turning point that galvanised public participation in the six-year-long Assam Movement (1979–1985). 
    • Since then, December 10 has been remembered as Swahid Divas, a solemn day of tribute to Khargeswar Talukdar and the 855 martyrs who laid down their lives during the movement.

About the Memorial

  • The Martyrs Memorial and Martyrs Park is spread across 116 bighas of land in West Boragaon, Guwahati.
  • The project is being developed under the supervision of the Department of Assam Accord Implementation, with close coordination from the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU).
  • The complex will feature:
    • A 67.2-metre-high central monument symbolising the spirit of sacrifice.
    • Busts of all 855 martyrs who laid down their lives during the movement.
    • A light and sound show, cycle track, food court, and public recreation areas.
  • The site aims to become a landmark of remembrance and civic reflection, representing the unity and courage of the Assamese people.

Historical Background: The Assam Movement (1979–1985)

  • The Assam Movement, led by AASU and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP), was a mass uprising demanding the detection and deportation of illegal immigrants from Assam.
  • It culminated in the signing of the Assam Accord on August 15, 1985, between the movement leaders and the Government of India (Rajiv Gandhi as PM).
  • The movement claimed the lives of 855 individuals, who are now revered as Swahids of Assam’s socio-political consciousness.
  • The Accord also led to the formation of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) government in 1985.

MCQ

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Martyrs Memorial and Martyrs Park in Guwahati:

  1. The Martyrs Memorial and Park is being built in West Boragaon to honour the martyrs of the Assam Movement.
  2. The central monument of the memorial will be 67.2 metres high.
  3. It commemorates the 855 martyrs who lost their lives during the Assam Movement (1979–1985).
  4. The memorial is being constructed under the supervision of the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA).

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
 (b) 1 and 3 only
 (c) 2 and 4 only
 (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (a)

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