Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the 860 martyrs of the Assam Movement at the Swahid Smarak Kshetra in Guwahati on Sunday. The Prime Minister's visit, which occurred on the last day of his two-day trip to the northeastern state, served to honor the sacrifices made during the six-year-long agitation against illegal immigrants.

The Assam Movement, which took place from 1979 to 1985, was a significant chapter in the state's history, focused on addressing the issue of illegal immigration. The newly inaugurated Swahid Smarak stands as a memorial to those who lost their lives during this period.

During his visit, which lasted approximately 20 minutes, Modi paid floral tribute in front of a continuously lit lamp, symbolizing the eternal memory of the 860 martyrs. He also toured a gallery displaying busts of the martyrs, paying his respects to each of them. Furthermore, the Prime Minister garlanded the bust of Khargeswar Talukdar, considered the first martyr of the movement, who died on December 10, 1979. The memorial was inaugurated earlier in December to mark Talukdar's death anniversary.

The Swahid Smarak Kshetra, constructed at a cost of ₹170 crore, serves as both a memorial and a public space. The complex includes landscaped water bodies, an auditorium, a prayer hall, and a cycle track. It also features a sound and light show that narrates the key moments of the Assam Agitation and the state's history.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and Assam Accord Implementation Minister Atul Bora, accompanied the Prime Minister during the visit. Sarma described the moment as deeply emotional and recalled what he termed the "dark days" in Assam's history. He also stated that Modi's consistent focus on Assam's development reflects a deeper commitment to the region.

Atul Bora, president of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), expressed his gratitude for the Prime Minister's visit, stating that it would help the entire world learn more about the Assam Agitation. He noted that no Prime Minister had previously paid tribute to the martyrs in this manner.

PM Modi posted on X, "Paid homage at the Swahid Smarak Kshetra and offered tributes at the Swahid Pranam Jyoti. Walking through the Swahid Gallery was a deeply moving experience, recalling the courage and sacrifices of the Bir Swahids martyred during the Assam Movement,”. He further asserted that the sacrifices made during the movement are an integral part of the state's identity and collective memory, reaffirming his commitment to working tirelessly for Assam's progress, prosperity, and cultural pride.