Rich tributes were paid to the martyrs of Pathorughat on Sunday at Mangaldoi. The day was observed as “Krishak Swahid Divas”.
It was on January 28, 1894, the British army killed one hundred and forty peasants who were protesting against the enhanced land revenue.
The Darrang district administration organized a day long programme at the peasants’ martyr park at Pathorighat (earlier Pathorughat) following the announcement of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal’s announcement last year to observe the day by the government.
Mangaldoi MLA Guru Jyoti Das said Patharughat is still neglected but the present government has taken several initiatives and released a fund for the agriculture training centre.
Addressing a large gathering MLA Binanda Kr Saikia strongly criticized the previous Congress and AGP governments for their false promises to develop the historic Pathorighat.
He also pointed out the importance of highlighting the issue properly at the national and international level and ensure visit of either the President or the Vice President of India to the place in near future.
AJYCP central advisor Bhabesh Kakoti demanded the state government to establish an agricultural college as a mark of respect to the peasant martyrs.
AASU leader Khanindrta Rajbonshi said this place is still neglected and government is yet to give due importance to development of the area.
The daylong celebration also marked public felicitation to Madhab Sarma , lyricist of the theme song on the Pathorughat peasants’ uprising.
The celebration featured programmes like Agricultural exhibition, awareness among the school students about the historical importance of Pathorughat, farmers’ training, all religious prayers. Internationally acclaimed flutist Dipak Sarma enthralled the spectators with his special renditions.
