Guwahati (Assam) [India], August 21 (HBTV): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday paid tribute to the martyrs of the freedom movement on the occasion of Sootea Divas and laid the foundation for an INR 5 crore project to transform Sootea Police Station into a tourist destination.

On August 20, 1942, freedom fighters in Sootea made history by hoisting the Indian Tricolour atop the Sootea Police Station, the first government office in India to do so during the Quit India Movement.

Chief Minister Sarma paid homage to the freedom fighters, stating that inspired by the call to hoist the Tricolour at every police station on September 20, local activists in Sootea had acted early, raising the National Flag on August 20, 1942. The event, he said, unfolded peacefully despite a massive turnout.

He added, ‘The moment was pivotal in India's history as it expanded the understanding of our nation's struggle for independence. The hoisting of the flag also highlighted how smaller towns like Sootea played courageous and pivotal roles in the freedom movement.’

Sarma further said, ‘Sootea Divas is not just regional history, it is a reminder that collective courage and silent resolve can challenge years-long oppression. Celebrating it enriches our shared heritage and inspires the new generation to honour our heroes who strived for our independence. The nation will always remember and cherish their sacrifice as we mark the Amrit Kaal of our nation.’

The Chief Minister announced that the State government would support a film project highlighting the flag hoisting at Sootea Police Station on August 20, 1942. Referring to a discussion in New Delhi, he said that Sootea was the first police station in the nation where the Indian National Flag was hoisted during the freedom struggle, though the incident was not widely publicised. He cited references in Freedom Movement in Assam by Heramba Kumar Borpujari, Quit India Movement in Assam by Surya Kumar Bhuyan, The Quit India Movement in Assam by Amalendu Guha, as well as Assam’s District Gazette and records in the National Archives.

He noted that incidents such as the flag hoisting at Sootea and the self-sacrifice of Kanaklata Baruah enriched Assam’s history. He recalled that a full-fledged discussion on Sootea’s role in the freedom struggle was held in the Assam Legislative Assembly, led by MLA Padma Hazarika.

Sarma said that in recent years, the State government had undertaken several projects for Sootea’s development, including promoting Baresahariya Bhaona, establishing the Freedom Fighter Bhumidhar Bordoloi Memorial stadium and hospital, developing infrastructure at Tyagbir Hem Baruah College, and creating a co-district.

He underlined Sootea’s role in strengthening the agricultural economy and stressed the need to boost Assam’s industrial ecosystem. Referring to Advantage Assam 2.0, which attracted investment proposals worth INR 5,00,000 crore, he said industrialisation was necessary not for industrialists but to create opportunities for the youth who migrate outside the state for work. He mentioned a new industrial plant coming up on 2,000 bighas of land in Sootea, dedicated to tile manufacturing.

Highlighting future initiatives, the Chief Minister said that from November, the State government would open centres to provide training in the Japanese language. He also announced an INR 2 crore project to build a complex at the Open Bihu field in Sootea.

On the occasion, Sarma dedicated two girls’ hostels and the main gates of the hostels at Tyagbir Hem Baruah College, Jamugurihat. MLAs Padma Hazarika, Ganesh Limbu, Promode Borthakur, Utpal Bora, Krishna Kamal Tanti, Diganta Ghatowar, family members of freedom fighters, and other dignitaries were present at the event.

(ANI)