GOC-in-C of Eastern Command pays homage to Krishak Swahids in Darrang district

OUR CORRESPONDENT

MANGALDAI: "The historic peasants uprising at a sleepy village of Pothorughat in Darrang district is among one of the great historical milestones in Assam's rich history and its glorious contribution towards India's freedom struggle," said GOC-in-C of Eastern Command Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita while laying the wreath at the Krishak Swahid memorial at historic Pothorughat (now Patharighat) in Darrang district on Monday.

The visiting Army Commander is the first Army Commander to offer homage to the 140 Krishak Swahids in the Krishak Swahid Divas celebration organized in full military honour and style by the Red Horns Division. He also appreciated the initiative of Mangaldai Media Circle-a premier organization of the media persons of Mangaldai for their continuous communications with him and other senior army officials regarding this glorious chapter of the freedom struggle of India.

"After the British annexation of Assam in 1826, they began imposing heavy land taxes, much to the resentment of the rural farmers. The tyranny grew further wherein British government decided to increase agriculture land tax by 70-80 percent. Across Assam, peasants began protesting this move by organizing 'Raij melas' or peaceful people conventions. Despite these gathering being democratic, the British perceived them as "breeding grounds for sedition". On January 28, 1894 when British officers were refusing to listen to the farmer's grievances, things heated up which led to brutal massacre of 140 farmers and grievous injury to 150 others. Though, the incident took place 130 years back it still inspires all of us to dedicate ourselves in the service of the people and the nation" said the visiting Army Commander Lieutenant General Kalita.

In order to highlight the supreme sacrifice of the common people of Assam and commemorate their valour and love for the nation a memorial at the site of the incident was inaugurated on January 28, 2001 by the then Governor of Assam Lt Gen (Retired) SK Sinha which was constructed by Indian Army in close cooperation with the civil administration. In the solemn ceremony of wreath laying to commemorate Krishak Swahid Divas this year at Pothorughat memorial, Mangaldai Parliamentarian Dilip Saikia, Chief of Staff of Gajraj Corps Major General S Sajjanhar, General (retired) Pranab Kumar Bharali, Major General (retired) Dinesh Sarma, Brigadier (retired) Ranjit Borthakur, Deputy Commissioner Pranab Kumar Sarma and many other senior retired military officers and civil dignitaries also attended it.

Also Read: CM Himanta pays homage to 140 Krishak Swahids at Patharighat

Also Watch: