CM Sarma opens memorial for martyrs in Dhekiajuli

Guwahati: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday inaugurated a martyrs’ memorial park and unveiled eleven statues of freedom fighters at the site where they were shot dead by the British police on Sept 20, 1942. The incident occurred while they were attempting to hoist the tricolour at the Dhekiajuli police station during the Quit India Movement, solidifying their place in the history of India’s struggle for independence.
During the inauguration, CM Sarma emphasized the importance of the park as a source of inspiration for future generations, highlighting the heroism and patriotism of the past. He also acknowledged the significant role played by the undivided Darrang district in India’s freedom movement, noting that the acts of bravery exhibited by the people of Darrang during this time serve as a shining example of nationalism and sacrifice.
“The Dhekiajuli massacre of September 20,1942 was one of the most brutal instances of oppression during the Independence movement when scorers of freedom fighters were shot while trying to hoist the Tiranga. Among them was 12 year old Tileswari Baruah, Bharat’s youngest martyr. We dedicated the Swahid Smarak Udyan at the very site today in honour of our great men and women on whose sacrifice our nation rests,” Sarma wrote on X, after inaugurating the park.
The construction of the martyr’s memorial, along with a convention centre, began on Oct 12, 2020, in Dhekiajuli, with a sanctioned budget of 11.94 crores from the 2020-21 state budget. The memorial is now open to the public.
During the event, Sarma also instructed cultural affairs minister Bimal Bora to take steps in preparing a film that highlights Dhekiajuli’s contribution to India’s independence movement.
Earlier in the day, he visited Bazera Higher Secondary School to assess the construction work. It is worth noting that the Assam govt is constructing new buildings for 500 schools across the state as part of its agenda to improve academic infrastructure.