Pothorughat martyrs’ remembered

GUWAHATI, Jan 31: A ceremony was organized by the Army’s Red Horns Division of Gajraj Corps on Monday at Pothorughat in Darrang district to pay homage to the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice while protesting against the brutalities and oppressive rule of the British on January 28, 1894.  Senior Army officers and Ashok Kumar Barman, Darrang Deputy Commissioner, paid floral tributes to the martyrs, stated a press release.

It was at this spot on January 28, 1894 that 140 innocent farmers were brutally massacred and 150 others injured when they rose in protest against the unjustified increase in land revenue by the British Empire.  The farmers, belonging to various castes, creeds and religions, had risen against the British tyranny as a cohesive force and with this, Assam emerged as one of the pioneers and forerunners of India’s struggle for independence.  A memorial was constructed at Pothorughat by the Army with cooperation of the civil administration and the same was dedicated to the memory of the martyrs by Lieutent General (retired) SK Sinha, PVSM, AVSM, the then Governor of Assam on January 28, 2001.

The glittering function was witnessed by a large gathering of over 800 people from Darrang district. The ceremony was followed by plantation of tree saplings by chief guests and other dignitaries. The cultural programmes by the students from Jawahar voday Vidyalaya, Kalaigaon and B.Ed Degree College, Deomornoi were added attractions of the function.