Guwahati (Assam) [India], August 21(ANI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday paid his rich tributes to the martyrs of the freedom movement on the occasion of Sootea Divas. He also laid the foundation for a Rs. 5 crore project to transform Sootea Police Station into a tourist destination.
It may be noted that on this day, 20 August 1942, brave freedom fighters in Sootea made history by hoisting the Indian Tricolour atop the Sootea Police Station, becoming the first government office in India to do so during the Quit India Movement.
Chief Minister Dr. Sarma paid rich homage to the freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the nation.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma said that, inspired by the clarion call to hoist the Tricolour at every police station on September 20, local activists in Sootea acted early, hoisting the National Flag on August 20, 1942. The entire event unfolded peacefully despite a massive turnout of people from the region.
He moreover said, “The moment was pivotal in India’s history as it expanded the understanding of our nation’s struggle for independence. The hoisting of the flag also highlighted how smaller towns like Sootea played courageous and pivotal roles in the freedom movement”.
Chief Minister Sarma also said, “Sootea Divas is not just regional history, it is a reminder that collective courage and silent resolve can challenge years-long oppression. Celebrating it enriches our shared heritage and inspires the new generation to honour our heroes who strived for our independence. The nation will always remember and cherish their sacrifice as we mark the Amrit Kaal of our nation”.
He further stated that the State government would provide financial and other support for a film that encompasses all aspects of the flag hoisting at Sootra Police station on 20 August 1942.
CM Sarma, referring to a discussion held at New Delhi, said that while participating in that discussion, he emphatically stated that Sootea was the first police station in the nation, where the Indian National Flag was hoisted during the freedom struggle. As the incident was not adequately publicised, many people asked him about the source of the information.
He said that the incident was mentioned in ‘Freedom Movement in Assam’ by Heramba Kumar Borpujari, ‘Quit India Movement in Assam’ by Surya Kumar Bhuyan, and ‘The Quit India Movement in Assam’ by Amalendu Guha. Moreover, the incident also found its mention in Assam’s government’s District Gazette, National Archive, etc.
He further said that the incidents like hoisting of the Flag on 20 August, self-sacrifice by Kanaklata Baruah, etc, enriched the history of Assam. He observed that, led by MLA Padma Hiazarika, a full-fledged discussion on the role of Sootea in India’s freedom struggle took place in Assam Legislative Assembly, which also adequately acknowledged Sootea vis-a-vis its role in the Independence Struggle.
Chief Minister Sarma also said that in the last few years, the State government took several steps for the all-around development of Sootea, which include promoting Baresahariya Bhaona and giving it a new dimension, Freedom fighter Bhumidhar Bordoloi Memorial stadium and hospital, infrastructure development in Tyagbir Hem Baruah College, creation of a co-district, etc, fulfilled the aims and aspirations of the people of Sootea.
He hailed the role of Sootea in strengthening the agricultural economy and making the state self-reliant.
The Chief Minister also reiterated the need to strengthen the state’s industrial ecosystem and transform it into a production hub, where the state’s youth can find low-wage employment opportunities without having to leave. Referring to Advantage Assam 2.0, which witnessed an investment proposal to the tune of Rs. 5,00000 crore, CM Sarma said that Assam needs industrialisation not for any industrialist but to bring back the youth of the state who are working outside the state for their livelihood.
Talking about an industrial plant being set up in Sootea on a sprawling two thousand bigha of land, CM Sarma said that the industrial plant will be dedicated to manufacturing tiles in the state. He also said that the present State government is committed to taking the state forward on all fronts and strengthening it based on the indomitable courage and self-confidence of the people.
He also said that from November, the State government will start a few centres for teaching the Japanese language in the state. On the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma also announced a Rs. 2 crore project for constructing a complex at the Open Bihu field in Sootea.
MLAs Padma Hazarika, Ganesh Limbu, Promode Borthakur, Utpal Bora, Krishna Kamal Tanti, Diganta Ghatowar, family members of the freedom fighters and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Earlier, Chief Minister Sarma dedicated two girls’ hostels and the main gates of the two girls’ hostels at Tyagbir Hem Baruah College, Jamugurihat, thereby marking a significant step in enhancing academic infrastructure and preserving architectural heritage.(ANI)
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