Barak Valley observes Bhasha Shaheed Divas
Correspondent
Silchar, May 19: The people of Barak Valley came out in large numbers to commemorate the 11 language martyrs who down their lives for the sake of protecting their mother tongue, Bengali, on May 19, 1961. The Language Martyrs’ Day also known as Bhasha Shaheed Divas was observed across the valley. Various socio-cultural and students’ organizations, clubs, literary bodies as well as political parties paid floral tributes to the miret.
The function took place at Gandhi Bagh Shaheed Mandir and Silchar Railway Station along with other district headquarters of Hailakandi and Karimganj. At around 2.30 pm, members of important organizations like Barak Uppataka Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan and Sammilitho Sanskritik Sangstha reached Gandhi Bagh and paid tributes to the martyrs. Silchar Press Club, Rotary Club, Anya Club, Matri Bhasha Surakhsa Samiti and Innerwheel Club also commemorated the martyrs. Members representing Silchar Bar Association, Nikhil Vishnupriya Manipuri Mahasabha, All Cachar – Karimganj - Hailakandi Students’ Association, Iccheda and Udharbond Cine Club visited Gandhi Bagh to pay floral tributes.
A number of cultural programmes and competitions have been organized at every nook and corner of the town. Students from different schools participated actively in a variety of competitions which comprise drawing, singing and recitation. Debojit Saha, singer and past winner of music reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, kept the audiences spellbound by singing songs at the premises of Gandhi Bagh. The auditorium of District Library, Silchar has been organizing various cultural programmes since yesterday evening.
Streets plays based on themes like unity, equality and value of knowing one’s mother tongue were shown. Owing to the heavy rainfall, the streets of the town remained submerged under deep water. So, the drawing of the auspicious alpa and processions had been cancelled yesterday.
On this day, in the year 1961, 11 martyrs sacrificed their lives protesting against making Assamese as the one and only official language of the state of Assam. They were protesting peacefully when rounds of firing killed 11 innocent persons which include a woman also.
The results of the assembly elections have been declared today and since it collided with Bhasha Shaheed Divas, no political parties celebrated their victory. They have been asked and instructed beforehand not to celebrate, keeping in mind the emotions attached to this day.
