Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma voiced worries about the diminishing Assamese identity, emphasizing the need for community action to preserve it. Speaking at the Biswa Mahabir Chilarai Divas event, Sarma highlighted the encroachment and demographic shifts in historically significant regions like Chilarai-Naranarayan. He urged citizens to take charge of safeguarding their heritage, stating that governmental efforts alone are insufficient. Sarma acknowledged the ongoing struggle to reclaim lost identity, emphasizing the importance of citizen leadership in this endeavor.
The Chief Minister drew attention to the challenges faced by the Koch Rajbongshi community in protecting its identity, particularly in areas once part of the Koch kingdom now affected by Bangladeshi immigrant encroachment. Sarma paid tribute to Mahabir Chilarai, lauding his role as a pivotal figure in Assam’s cultural and social development. He highlighted Chilarai’s support for cultural icons like Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, underscoring the need for Assamese society to draw inspiration from historical figures like Chilarai and Lachit Barphukan to address contemporary challenges and uphold its cultural heritage.
Sarma emphasized the importance of citizens taking proactive roles in preserving Assamese identity, citing the Garukhuti land reclamation initiative as just the initial step in a broader struggle. He stressed the significance of historical figures like Chilarai and Barphukan in guiding the community through present-day obstacles and safeguarding its rich cultural legacy.
