Medortari, April 30: Residents of Medortari village along the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Dhubri district marked the anniversary of the 2012 Medortari ferry tragedy on Thursday, April 30, remembering the 44 lives lost in one of the region’s deadliest river disasters.
The tragedy, which occurred on April 30, 2012, continues to cast a long shadow over the village, with many families still coping with the loss of parents, relatives and loved ones. More than a decade later, the incident remains deeply embedded in the collective memory of the community.
On the occasion, families of the victims gathered along the riverbank to offer prayers and pay tribute to those who perished. Residents said the anniversary brings back painful memories each year, reviving the trauma experienced by those directly affected.
Villagers also expressed concern over the absence of any memorial at the site, alleging that the location has remained neglected despite repeated assurances from authorities. According to locals, no visible effort has been made to commemorate the victims or preserve the site as a place of remembrance.
Residents further recalled promises made by the then Congress-led government regarding development in Medortari, including improvements in road connectivity, education and healthcare infrastructure. However, they claimed that most of these commitments have not been fulfilled.
Additional grievances were raised over assurances of financial support previously announced by Badruddin Ajmal, chief of the All India United Democratic Front and former Dhubri Lok Sabha MP. Villagers alleged that the promised assistance did not reach the affected families or the area.
Despite what they described as diminishing political attention over the years, the families of the victims continue to observe the day annually, keeping alive the memory of the tragedy through prayers and community gatherings.
