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Dhekiajuli martyrs deserve recognition

By Daya Nath Singh |

Freedom fighters and Martyrs Trust , a NGO working for the recognition of services of 1942 freedom struggle has demanded that the sacrifices of Dhekiajuli martyrs be recognized by the government. The nation should not forget them who led down their lives ‘yester for our today’. Freedom movement in India was not confined to a particular region, instead it had spread throughout the country equally. It is unfortunate that some areas got focus in the struggle by coming to the fore front and others missed the light. Contribution of the freedom fighters of Dhekiajuli in the district of Sonitpur in Assam (undivided Darrang) in the freedom struggle of 1942, was a great achievement of the people who fought bravely with the Britishers for the independence of the country and led their lives for the cause.


It was on September 20,1942, the people succeeded in lowering the Union Jack and flying the tri-color on the Dhekiajuli police station. As result of the firing by the police, thirteen (13) people laid down their lives for the independence of the country. Among them were, Manbar Nath, Kumli Devi, Khahuli Devi, Tileswari Barua, Ratan Kachari, Maniram Kachari, Lerela Kachari, Mangal Kurku, Mahiram Koch, Sarunath Chetia, Dayal Das Panika, besides a beggar and a saint. Unfortunately, after the country’s independence those martyrs and their families’ contributions were not recognized by the respective governments. Those who laid their lives in the past, have been forgotten by our present generation. Their martyrdom has got least attention from our country’s political leaders.


‘The people of Dhekiajuli are proud of the sacrifices of those freedom fighters who led down their lives for the freedom of the country’ , said Leela Nath, the president of the Trust. He said that Kamala Kanta Das, was the leader of the freedom movement and Phanidhar Das and Bapuram Gogoi, were his deputies. Martyr Manabar Nath was in the front line with a garland and Tilak on his forehead. On the second place was Golok Neog and on the third place was Chandrakanta Nath (Kania). They marched towards Dhekiajuli police station singing the revolutionary song of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala. ‘Vande Mataram’ slogan spread throughout Bargaon Mouza’s Jahamari, No 1&2 Barpukhuri, Patiyapukhuri, Teliagaon, Hojaigaon, Bar Ati, besides Naharbari Mouza’s Ghatuwa, 1&2 No. Bamunpukhuri, Ulubari, Habigaon, Naharbari, Barbil, Baligaon, Katnirgaon, Thelamara Kathnibari etc;. The people assembled at Thelamara. At 10 in the morning they marched towards Dhekiajuli police station. On the way Keherukhanda, Medhichuburi, Panbari’s people also joined them.


Around 1 PM the ‘unarmed processionists’ reached in front of the Dhekiajuli police station and awaited for the direction of their leaders. There was an argument between their leader Kamala Kanta Das and the officer in charge of the police station, Mahidhar Bora. The leader of the agitation asked the followers to go ahead. The police got ready with guns, lathies, bayonet to control the mob. In the meantime Manabar Nath hoisted the tricolor atop.


At the same time in the police firing Manabar Nath fell down. Golok Neog came forward to keep the flag flying and when police targeted to fire on him, his mother Kumli Devi came forward to face the bullet and laid down her life. Chandra Nath came ahead at the scene and fell down after he was hit by bullet . Immediately after looking to the bloodshed, Tileswari Barua took the flag in her hand and chanting ‘Vande Mataram’ led the team of freedom fighters. One after the other they fell on the earth.


That was Sunday, the weekly market was just in front of the Dhekiajuli police station. Police torture on the mob was horrible. The anti-social elements also got chance and looted the belongings of the people fleeing to save their lives. Despite all the sacrifices of the Dhekiajuli martyrs, they have not been recognized as yet by the government and no family member of those persons have got any benefit out of their sacrifices. A few writers and organizations have published the history of the freedom struggle of Dhekiajuli, but no comprehensive publications has come out. The Trust demanded a fair dealing to the services of those martyrs.

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Daya Nath Singh's picture

Journalist; Guwahati Press Club office Secretary

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