Silchar witnesses historic day as CM unveils statues of Netaji and Mangal Pandey

way2barak, August 31:—Silchar witnessed a historic day on Sunday as Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled two iconic statues in the city, paying tribute to the nation’s towering freedom fighters and laying out a roadmap for the region’s development. The Chief Minister first inaugurated a 24-foot statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Rangirkhari, an installation that he described as a “long-cherished dream” of the people of Barak Valley. The statue, installed under the initiative of the Silchar Netaji Murti Nobonirman O Sthapona Committee, stands as a symbol of courage and patriotism, inspiring generations to come.

Addressing the large gathering at Rangirkhari, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was more than a leader; he was a movement in himself. His life and sacrifices continue to inspire every Indian to work selflessly for the nation.” The Chief Minister said that the memorial not only honours Netaji’s towering personality but also reflects Silchar’s cultural pride and its deep-rooted connection to the freedom movement. He urged the youth to draw inspiration from Netaji’s ideals, calling him a beacon of nationalism and a visionary who shaped India’s struggle for independence.

In a major infrastructural push for the region, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the construction of a flyover from Rangirkhari to Capital Point at a cost of ₹700 crore. He said the project, once completed, would significantly reduce traffic congestion and give Silchar a modern look while improving connectivity for commuters across Barak Valley and neighbouring states. The Chief Minister also appealed for public cooperation during land acquisition for smooth execution of the project, adding that the government is committed to implementing it at the earliest.

Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma’s speech traced the life and contributions of Netaji in detail, praising his historic decision to renounce the prestigious Indian Civil Service to dedicate himself to the cause of India’s independence. He recalled Netaji’s leadership during the Non-Cooperation Movement, his role as the editor of the nationalist weekly Swaraj, and his multiple imprisonments between 1921 and 1941 for his relentless campaign against British rule. Dr Sarma also spoke of Netaji’s visits to Silchar in 1938 as President of the Indian National Congress and again in 1939 after his resignation from the party, both of which drew massive support from students and youth in Barak Valley. He emphasised that these visits left a profound impression on the region and strengthened its role in the freedom movement.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister visited the historic Kachakanti Temple at Udarbond, offering prayers for peace, prosperity, and well-being of the people. He also laid the foundation stone for a Mukta Mancha at Kachakanti Vidya Mandir, to be built under the Untied Fund for 2025–26, reaffirming the government’s focus on cultural and educational infrastructure in the region.

Later in the afternoon, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled the statue of Mangal Pandey at Ghungoor, honouring the first martyr of India’s First War of Independence in 1857. Paying rich tributes to the revolutionary, the Chief Minister narrated how Mangal Pandey’s act of defiance against the British at Barrackpore triggered the Sepoy Mutiny and inspired countless Indians to rise against colonial rule. He recalled the events of March 29, 1857, when Pandey attacked British officers after learning that the cartridges provided to sepoys were allegedly greased with cow and pig fat, an act considered sacrilegious. Arrested and tried for his rebellion, Mangal Pandey was executed on April 8, 1857, at the young age of 30. Sarma said his supreme sacrifice marked the beginning of the freedom struggle that ultimately led to India’s independence.

The Chief Minister also highlighted Barak Valley’s own connection with the mutiny, reminding the gathering of the battles of Malegarh in Sribhumi and Rontilla in Hailakandi, where sepoys fought valiantly against British forces. He also referred to the historic ‘Mooluk Chalo’ movement of tea workers, describing it as another major chapter in the valley’s resistance against colonial oppression. The Chief Minister also released books on Mangal Pandey, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, and Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhavdev during the programme, calling for greater awareness of Assam’s historical and cultural legacy.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the security and development of Barak Valley, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma assured that special attention would be given to protecting the interests of the Bengali Hindu community. He announced that eviction drives similar to those carried out in Brahmaputra Valley would soon be undertaken in Barak Valley to clear illegal encroachments on forest land. “We will not compromise on land protection. Forest areas belong to the state and we will ensure they are preserved,” he asserted.

Before concluding his engagements in Silchar, the Chief Minister visited the Silchar Tennis Club, where he interacted with young trainees and reviewed the facilities available at the historic club, which has played a key role in promoting tennis in the region. He also called on the family members of late Kamalendu Bhattacharjee, former Member of Parliament, and spent time with them, acknowledging his contribution to public life.

The day-long programme drew a massive turnout of citizens and was attended by several prominent leaders, including Ministers Kaushik Rai and Krishnendu Paul, MPs Parimal Suklabaidya, Kripanath Mallah, and Kanad Purkayastha, MLAs Mihir Kanti Shom, Dipayan Chakraborty, and Bijay Malakar, Cachar District Commissioner Mridul Yadav IAS, Cachar SSP , Numal Mahatta APS ,other officials and cultural personalities.

This is stated in a press release issued by Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.