Parimal Suklabaidya pays tribute to the language Martyrs on 19 May

19 May: On the occasion of Language Martyrs Day, Assam’s Minister for Fisheries, Excise, Forest and Environment Parimal Suklabaidya paid his rich tribute to the eleven language martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the restoration of Bengali as the official language of Barak Valley on 19 May, 2021.

Recalling the supreme sacrifice of the eleven martyrs at his official residence in Dispur, Minister Suklabaidya laid a wreath at the portrait of the language martyrs and paid his homage. In a short speech, the minister expressed his tribute and said, “It was a day of pride for the citizens of Barak Valley and the sacrifice of the martyrs would be remembered forever.”

In the present context of surge in COVID -19 cases in Barak Valley, Parimal Suklabaidya also urged the people to be inspired from the martyrs and protect themselves against further spread of COVID-19. He made an earnest appeal to maintain social distance and follow other Covid appropriate behaviour.

Paid my rich tributes to the 11 martyrs on the occasion of Bhasa Swahid Divas who laid down their lives with pride for the mother language Bengali in 19th May,1961. pic.twitter.com/AwJrLJNcfG

— Parimal Suklabaidya (@ParimalSuklaba1) May 19, 2021

On 19 May,1961, eleven persons, including one young girl Kamala Bhattacharjee died in police firing at Silchar Railway Station while demanding recognition of Bengali as their mother tongue and official language in Assam.

Since then, the historic day is being observed as language martyrs’ day. In view of restrictions imposed in the wake of pandemic COVID-19, there was no mass gathering. Various organisations strictly following guidelines paid their glowing tributes to the martyrs, recalling their sacrifices.