Biswanath Chariali: State Cultural Affairs, Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises and Act East Policy Affairs Minister Bimal Borah attended the second Sootea Divas as the chief guest at a state-level programme held at Sootea on Thursday, commemorating the historic role of the Sootea Police Station in Assam’s freedom movement. Organised by the Cultural Affairs Department in association with the Sonitpur district administration and the people of Naduar, the programme began with the rendition of Vande Mataram. Sonitpur SSP Barun Purakayastha hoisted the national flag at the heritage police station premises, while Rani Kakaty paid homage to the martyrs. A drama depicting the historic events of August 20, 1942, was also staged.
Naduar MLA Padma Hazarika highlighted the historical significance of the day and the police station. Addressing the gathering, Minister Borah said August 20 was not merely a date on the calendar but a symbol of the people’s indomitable spirit and sacrifice for freedom. He said Sootea Divas should inspire the younger generation to understand and take pride in the region’s historical legacy. Eminent journalist Adip Kumar Phukan, who attended as a distinguished guest, said Sootea was one of Assam’s major centres of the freedom movement. He also recalled the region’s historical association with the bravery of Mula Gabharu during the Ahom-Mughal period and called for Sootea’s history to be documented separately and incorporated into school curricula.
Students of Naduar Sangeet Vidyapeeth presented a performance on Mula Gabharu, while Alakananda Bhuyan and Siddartha Sankar Kalita presented a song and poem respectively. The Assam government officially declared August 20 as Sootea Divas from 2025. The historic police station was accorded heritage status in 2017. At the first state-sponsored Sootea Divas last year, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced ₹5 crore for the conservation and beautification of the heritage police station.
