OUR CORRESPONDENT
KOKRAJHAR: The All Bodo Women's Welfare Federation (ABWWF), ABSU and other democratic organizations of the Bodos on Tuesday remembered the first women martyrs of the Bodoland movement-Gaide Basumatary and Helena Basumatary of Kokrajhar district -and paid floral tribute to them on their 32nd death anniversary. The organizations have been observing the day as 'Bodo Mothers Day' since their martyrdom on May 12, 1988.
Social Welfare Minister Pramila Rani Brahma, who was the founder president of the All Assam Tribal Women's Welfare Federation (AATWWF), later re-christened as ABWWF, attended the Bodo Mothers Day programme by the ABWWF at the burial place of Gaide Basumatary and Helena Basumatary at Saraibilw under Gossaigaon subdivision in Kokrajhar district on Tuesday morning and paid floral tribute to the women martyrs in their tombs.
Minister Brahma, while interacting with a section of media persons, said that both Gaide Basumatary and Helena Basumatary were the first women martyrs of the Bodos as they were shot dead by the police personnel on May 12, 1988 while a group of Bodo women tried to prevent the police team from taking away some innocent Bodo youths from Dumbajhar area of Gossaigaon subdivision. She said the two brave tribal women proved their heroic ability against injustice towards innocent people. She also said that both women would remain as the source of inspiration for the women to stand against all brutalities and injustice. She further said the Bodos would never forget their supreme sacrifice for the cause of the community.