Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma pays tributes to those who lost their lives in the Assam Movement at the Swahid Smarak, in Guwahati on December 10, 2025. Photo: X/@himantabiswa via ANI.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Wednesday (December 10, 2025), unveiled a memorial honouring 860 martyrs of a violent six-year agitation aimed at ejecting “illegal immigrants” from the State.
The inauguration of the Swahid Smarak Kshetra in Guwahati was timed with the observance of Swahid Divas, which marks the death anniversary of Khargeswar Talukdar. Considered the first martyr of the Assam Agitation, he died on December 10, 1979.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unveils the Swahid Smarak Kshetra, in Guwahati on December 10, 2025. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Assam Minister Atul Bora and others also present. Photo: X/@himantabiswa via ANI.
The stir, which began in 1979, ended with the signing of the Assam Accord on August 15, 1985.
“It is an honour of a lifetime to dedicate the Swahid Smarak Kshetra in memory of our bravehearts who fought for the pride of Aai Asomi (Mother Assam),” the Chief Minister said.
He said the Swahid Smarak Kshetra was a tribute to the 860 people who died for a cause.
“From safeguarding our culture and heritage to reclaiming our lands, every effort is dedicated to protecting the pride and the rights of everyone in Assam,” he said.
The Chief Minister said Assam’s demographic pattern was fast changing, with “almost 40%” of its population being those who came from Bangladesh at some point in time.
“Legality apart, Assam is marginalised. Our culture is marginalised in our own land. The economy is fast shifting to those people who were never associated with our culture and history,” Mr. Sarma said.
He, however, said he saw a glimmer of hope in the collective spirit to face such challenges. “I am sure that our new generation will fight and keep on fighting,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also recalled the valour of those who participated in 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,” he posted on X.
Home Minister Amit Shah also recalled the sacrifices made by the people of Assam during the agitation.
Published – December 11, 2025 07:30 am IST
