GUWAHATI, Dec 11: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the need for the state to draw lessons from Israel on survival and resilience, particularly when surrounded by adversaries. Speaking on Tuesday at a program marking ‘Swahid Diwas’ in Jamugurihat, Sonitpur district, Sarma reflected on Assam’s historical challenges, stating that the state’s boundaries have never been safe.
Sarma pointed out that Assam shares borders with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and West Bengal, and Assamese people are a minority in 12 of the state’s districts. He called for Assam to learn from countries like Israel, which, despite being surrounded by enemies, used knowledge, science, technology, and unwavering courage to become a strong nation. He stressed that only through similar strategies could Assam and its people, the Assamese ‘jati,’ survive and thrive in the current climate.
‘Swahid Diwas’ commemorates the martyrdom of Khargeswar Talukdar, considered the first martyr of the six-year-long Assam Agitation, which led to the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985. During his address, Sarma spoke about the ongoing threat to Assam’s identity, noting that nearly 40 years after the Assam Accord, the issue of outsiders’ influence on the state’s demographic and land rights remains unresolved.
Sarma highlighted the importance of economic self-reliance to safeguard Assam from external threats. He emphasized the necessity for the state’s youth to play a key role in ensuring the survival of Assamese culture and rights. He also claimed that political safeguards have been implemented through the recent delimitation exercise, but the real challenge lies in securing Assam’s economic and cultural identity.
“The Assam Agitation was aimed at protecting the Assamese identity, but the threat has not disappeared,” Sarma said, referencing the ongoing changes in demography and the loss of land rights. He accused the Congress party of contributing to the issue, claiming that some people within Assam are aligning with the opposition party and undermining the Assamese community’s interests.
Sarma also made a sharp critique of Congress’s role in weakening the Assamese people’s position, particularly in areas where the Assamese are now a minority. He posed a challenge to these so-called “patriots,” asking who they believe they are empowering by weakening their own community. “Patriotism doesn’t end with forming a government; it requires ongoing courage to protect the ‘jati’,” he asserted.
Sarma praised the state government’s efforts in addressing land encroachment, revealing that approximately 10,000 hectares of land—equivalent to the area of Chandigarh—has been freed from encroachment over the past three years.
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister called for economic self-reliance and a shift in mindset among the youth. “We have turned away from essential jobs like farming, rickshaw pulling, and bus driving, which are now being done by ‘Achinakto’ (unknown) people, taking over our economy,” he said, stressing the importance of the youth taking action to safeguard Assam’s economic future. He urged a move away from traditional forms of protest like bandh and dharna, towards economic “andolans” (movements) that can drive away external influences.
Sarma reiterated the importance of using the political protection ensured by the delimitation process in the coming years to secure cultural and economic identity. He also promised significant infrastructure development, including the establishment of a medical college and a university in every district, and at least one bridge over the Brahmaputra River in each district it flows through.
“We will be the only state with a medical college and university in every district, and we are committed to improving connectivity across the state,” Sarma added.
