Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for a Rs 5-crore project to transform the historic Sootea police station into a heritage tourist destination. The site holds immense historical significance, as the Indian tricolour was first hoisted here in 1942 during the Quit India Movement, marking a bold assertion of patriotism in colonial Assam.
Addressing the gathering, Sarma highlighted the project’s aim to preserve Assam’s proud history and inspire future generations. “It was a pivotal moment in India’s freedom struggle. The hoisting of the national flag at Sootea symbolised courage and determination, showing how even smaller towns contributed significantly to the fight against British rule,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that the heritage makeover would not only memorialize the sacrifices of freedom fighters but also provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Assam’s role in the national movement. Historians such as Heramba Kumar Baruah, Surya Kumar Bhuyan, and Amalendu Guha have documented the 1942 event, with records preserved in the National Archives.
Over the years, the Assam government has undertaken several development initiatives in Sootea, focusing on infrastructure and education. In conjunction with the foundation-laying ceremony, Sarma also inaugurated two girls’ hostels at Tyagbir Hem Baruah College in Jamuguri, underlining the state’s commitment to holistic regional growth.