Guwahati: Assam celebrated the 402nd birth anniversary of medieval-era Ahom military commander Lachit Barphukan on Sunday and paid tribute to the general who defeated the Mughals in the Battle of Saraighat around 350 years back in 1671.
Barphukan's legacy extends far beyond his military prowess, symbolising Assam's history of resisting foreign invasions.People across the state paid respect to the hero on the occasion of Lachit Diwas.
In Guwahati, members of Lachit Sena took a boat ride from Kajali Chowki in Chandrapur, where the commander set up his first military base during the Battle of Saraighat, to Lachit Ghat, where a large statue of Barphukan now stands, to remember his heroic endeavour.
"Lachit fought with great valour and demonstrated great maritime warfare skills. While paying tribute to him, we must remember his military strategy and naval tactics that led to Mughal's defeat. Along with Lachit, the others in his army also deserve remembrance on this day," a Lachit Sena member said at the ghat.
Locals also paid tribute to the general in Jorhat district's Hollongapar, where his maidam (burial tomb) is situated. In March this year, PM Modi unveiled a 125-foot statue — The Statue of Valour — of the medieval-era Ahom military commander at Hollongapar.
In a video message on Facebook, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urged the people of Assam to keep Lachit Barphukan's photo as the display pictures on their social media accounts.
Sarma, along with his cabinet colleagues, including education minister Ranoj Pegu and housing and urban affairs minister Ashok Singhal on Sunday changed their display pictures as a mark of respect to Barphukan.
"On the occasion of the 402nd birth anniversary of the great Ahom general, we will again remember his courage, determination and patriotism. On the 400th birth anniversary of the general, the Assam govt took the initiative to disseminate tales of his bravery from Assam to across the country. Lachit Barphukan exemplified courage, determination and patriotism. His heroic tales of bravery reverberate across every household in Assam and beyond. His acts represent the valour and determination of Assamese people," CM Sarma said in the post.
Assam govt in Aug signed a memorandum of understanding with Prasar Bharati to produce a 52-episode documentary on Lachit Barphukan to promote the valour, dedication and patriotism of the military commander on the global stage.