Martyrdom of Kanaklata Barua observed at Silchar

September 20: 75 years ago, on this same day, Kanaklata Barua of Assam attained martyrdom while trying to hoist the national flag at Gohpur Police Station. To commemorate the heroic exploits of Kanaklata, AIDSO and KOMSOMOL offered floral tributes before a life size poster of her, which they set up at the pedestal of Khudiram Statue, Silchar.

Members of both the organizations offered floral tribute and spoke on the career and achievements of Kanaklata. Speaking during the occasion, Gour Chandra Das, Secretary of AIDSO upholded her exploits. He said that during the Quit India Movement, Kanaklata joined the Mrityu Bahini, a death squad comprising groups of youth from the Gohpur sub division of Assam. On 20 September 1942, the Bahini decided it would hoist the national flag at the local police station. A procession of unarmed villagers was led by Barua to do so.

The police under Rebati Mahan Som the officer in-charge of the police station warned the procession of dire consequences if they proceeded with their plan. Undeterred by the police, the procession continued marching ahead when the police fired upon the procession.

Kanaklata was shot and the flag she was carrying with her was taken up by Mukunda Kakoti who too was shot at. Both Kanaklata and Kakoti were killed in the police action. Kanaklata was only 17 years of age at the time of her martyrdom.

Gour Chandra Das further urged that people should take inspiration from the sacrifice made by Kanaklata. Apart from him, also present during the occasion were Pallabh Bhattacharjee of AIDSO, Arup Malakar and Shibu Baishnob of Komsomol and others.