Guwahati, Nov 21: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the Swahid Smarak Kshetra at Pachim Boragaon in Guwahati on Wednesday to review the ongoing construction work of the memorial dedicated to the martyrs of the Assam Movement. The memorial, which honors the 855 individuals who lost their lives during the movement, is a significant project for the state.

During his visit, CM Sarma, accompanied by Assam Accord Implementation Minister Atul Bora and senior officials, was briefed about the progress of the Rs 100 crore project. He noted that around 90% of the construction work has been completed. Sarma confirmed that if the remaining work is completed on schedule, the Swahid Smarak Kshetra will be inaugurated on December 10. If not, the inauguration will take place at a later date.

The memorial complex will include a 60-meter tall statue with three abstract human figures, a reception hall featuring portraits of the martyrs, a meditation hall, a panoramic viewpoint at 51.6 meters, an ethnic food court, and a sound-and-light system. In a post on social media, CM Sarma expressed that the Swahid Smarak Kshetra would become a pilgrimage site to honor the sacrifices made by the martyrs.

In addition to the review of the memorial, CM Sarma also addressed questions regarding the recent decision to rename Karimganj district to Sribhumi. He defended the move, citing Rabindranath Tagore’s historical reference to the region as “Sribhumi,” or the “Land of Maa Lakshmi,” over 100 years ago. The Assam Cabinet had approved the renaming on November 19.