Preservation of Heritage Police Stations: Archaeologists At Work

GUWAHATI: Still in colonial hangover? Nay, it’s preserving colonial heritage. This is what the Directorate of Archaeology, Assam feels at its ongoing preservation of three heritage police stations – Chatia, Gohpur and Dhekiajuli – in Assam.

In sync with 2017-18 Budget speech of the State Finance Minister, the Directorate of Archaeology is at work for preserving the three British-era police stations in Assam. These three police stations make the people of Assam and rest of India stroll down the memory lane of the ‘Quit India Movement’. Gohpur Police Station in Biswanath district is one of the oldest police stations. It was established in 1901. Chatia police station in Biswanath district and Dhekiajuli police station in Sonitpur district were established in 1913. September 20, 1942 continues to be a black day for Assam and rest of India when eight persons, including three women, were killed in police firing at Dhekiajuli Police Station. On the same day, Kanaklata Baruah, a flag bearer of the ‘Mrityu Bahini’ during the freedom struggle, was shot dead along with Mukunda Kakati at Gohpur Police Station. However, despite such odds the National Flag was hoisted on that day in all the three police stations – Chatia, Gohpur and Dhekiajuli.

Talking to The Sentinel, State Director of Archaeology Dr Deepi Rekha Kouli said:

“We’ve taken steps to preserve the heritage police stations at Chatia, Gohpur and Dhekiajuli. The restoration work of Chatia Police Station is over. The team is led by conservation officer Kangkon Jyoti Saikia.”

She further said: “As much as possible, we’re sticking to the original layouts of the three historic police stations. While the restoration work of Gohpur Police Station is still going on, Dhekiajuli Police Station is yet to be handed over to us by the department concerned.”

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