Sarbananda Sonowal Announces Rs 2 Lakh Each For Kin of Assam Movement Victims

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday announced one-time financial assistance of Rs. 2 lakh to each of the victims who suffered bullet injuries during the historic Assam movement.

Moreover, a book reflecting every aspect of the Assam Agitation would also be published by the State Government to preserve its rich legacy and showcasing the same to the posterity.

Speaking at a function organized to observe the Swahid Divas in the office premises of Assam Accord Implementation Department at Khanapara here on Monday morning, Sonowal asserted that his government’s commitment to implement every clause of the Assam Accord in letter and spirit and to safeguard the interests of the people of the State.

“The Assam movement was a strong manifestation of people’s power and great example of non-violent means of protest. This was one of the most significant parts of India’s history as the movement aimed at safeguarding unity and sovereignty of the country,” he said.

Sonowal said the State Government’s committed efforts has resulted in Indo-Bangla border fencing work, with technological interventions at riverine areas has made significant headway.

Stating that people of the State thwarting evil designs of divisive forces that tried to derail the NRC updating process, made publication of final draft of NRC possible, the Chief Minister hoped that people would continue their cooperation at the claims & objection process as well saying that an error-free NRC would be a major deterrent against the illegal foreigners.

The Chief Minister also praised the role played by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in highlighting the Assam Movement at the national level. “Vajpayee ji who supported the aims and objectives of the movement raised the issue of illegal migration to Assam at the national level through his fiery speeches at the parliament and different parts of the country. He made to realize the people of the country that the problem faced by Assam during that tumultuous period was not limited to the boundary of the State alone and it was more of a national problem”.

Sonowal further said that the state government has been working to fully safeguard the interests of the local people and uphold their rights. He also vowed to continue the Government’s efforts resolutely and urged people not to panic. The Chief Minister further observed that implementing the Assam Accord is a national duty and called upon everyone to extend cooperation with the Government in performing this responsibility.

Earlier, explaining the objective of the programme, Principal Secretary of Home & Political Department LS Changsan informed that construction of Swahid Udyan spread over an area of 100 bigha in Guwahati has already begun. Besides, the State Government in a bid to speed up implementation of Assam Accord already opened an independent office of the Assam Accord Implementation Department and a photo gallery on Assam Movement, she informed.

Sonowal also attended a function organized by the State BJP at Hengrabari to observe the Swahid Divas.

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