Guwahati: Several indigenous and social organisations across Assam on Tuesday observed ‘Black Day’ to mark the 200th anniversary of the Treaty of Yandabo, describing the accord as a watershed moment that led to the loss of Assam’s sovereignty and the onset of colonial rule.
The Treaty of Yandabo, signed on February 24, 1826, brought an end to the First Anglo-Burmese War and resulted in the transfer of Assam to the British East India Company.
In Dibrugarh, participants wore black badges during a day-long programme at the Tai Educational and Cultural Centre in Boiragimoth to register their protest. Speakers said the treaty ushered in far-reaching political, demographic, socio-economic and cultural changes that, over time, eroded the rights and status of Assam’s indigenous communities.
The event was jointly organised by several groups, including Khilonjia Mancha, Indigenous Peoples of Mong-Dun-Chun-Kham Assam, All Assam Ahom Sabha, All Assam Matak Sanmilan, Assam Moran Sabha, All Assam Chutia Jati Sanmilan, All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Sanmilan and the North-East Indigenous Peoples’ Forum, among others.
The programme began with the hoisting of organisational flags, followed by the lighting of traditional earthen lamps and incense sticks before portraits of prominent historical figures and freedom fighters. Among those remembered were King Badosa, Sukapha, Sati Sadhani, Bir Chilarai, Lachit Borphukan, Romakanta Saikia, Sarbananda Singha, Gomdhar Konwar, Maniram Dewan, Kushal Konwar, Kanaklata Barua and Raghav Moran.
Two panel discussions were held during the event. The first examined the historical context and consequences of the Treaty of Yandabo, while the second focused on defining ‘Khilonjia’ — indigenous people of Assam, and exploring ways to safeguard their future.
The panel featured advocate Ramesh Barpatra Gohain, writer and researcher Pallav Barpatra Gohain, educationist Jibeshwar Mohan, writer Phatik Chandra Neog, Karbi youth leader Litsong Rongphar and writer Atul Borgohain.
Shashanka Neog, president of the All Assam Ahom Sabha, said the deliberations centred on protecting the rights and entitlements of indigenous communities and securing the future of coming generations in the social, political and economic spheres.
In Nagaon, the bicentenary of the treaty was observed at a separate event organised by Sangrami Satirtha Assam Movement. Addressing the gathering, Indrajit Bezbaruah, principal of Samaguri College, described the treaty as a turning point in Assam’s history.
The programme was attended by several prominent citizens, including Durlav Chamua, Kshitish Das and Dipak Saikia. Speakers emphasised the need to remember and critically reflect on the past while drawing lessons for the future, rather than remaining confined to historical grievances.
While describing the Treaty of Yandabo as a dark chapter marking the loss of independence and the beginning of colonial rule in Assam, speakers also noted that it eventually sparked resistance and a sense of nationalism in the state, contributing to India’s broader freedom movement.
The events concluded with a call to honour the sacrifices of those who fought for Assam’s freedom and to work towards building a united and forward-looking state.