Lt Gen R.P. Kalita pays tribute to martyrs of Patharughat uprising in Assam

Patharighat uprising is amongst one of the great historical milestones in Assam’s rich history and its glorious contribution towards India’s freedom struggle. After the British annexation of Assam in 1826, they began imposing heavy land taxes, much to the resentment of the 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 yeas back it still inspires all of us to dedicate ourselves in the service of the people and the nation.

In order to highlight the supreme sacrifice of the common people of Assam and commemorate their valor and love for the nation a memorial at the site of the incident was inaugurated on 28 Jan 2001 by the then Governor of Assam Lt Gen SK Sinha, PVSM, AVSM (Retired).The memorial was constructed by Indian Army in close cooperation with the civil administration.

To commemorate Swaheed Krishak Diwas this year at Patharighat memorial, at solemn ceremony of wreath laying  was held and graced by the esteemed presence of Lieutenant General R P Kalita, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command, Mr Dilip Saikia Hon’ble MP Mangaldoi, Major General S Sajjanhar, Chief of Staff Gajraj Corps, General PK Bharali (retired) and many other senior retired military officers and civil dignitaries. Numerous events were organised for the benefit of people of Assam as part of the event to include Joint Medical and Health Camp, Youth Info Centre, Agriculture Help Centre, Local Self Help Group, Cultural Events of Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Bhangra, Military Band Display and Veteran Help Centre. The event witnessed a massive participation of nearly 10000 attendees. 

Conduct of  Krishak Swaheed Diwas at Patharighat not only celebrates the rich history of Assam and highlights its glorious contribution in India’s freedom struggle but also ensures that the same is passed to the future generations and enthuse today’s youth to imbibe the spirit and values epitomized by the common people of Assam.