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Amit Shah
In a heartfelt message that resonated across the Brahmaputra Valley, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah extended warm greetings to Assam’s residents on Asom Divas, celebrating the state’s enduring Ahom legacy while underscoring nine years of transformative progress under the Modi-led NDA government.
Posted on X at 12:28 PM today, Shah’s note read: “Warm wishes to our sisters and brothers of Assam on #AsomDivas. This occasion commemorates the glory of the Ahom era and fortifies our commitment to protecting the rich culture of Assam, in which every Indian takes great pride.”
He added, “In the last 9 years, the Modi-led NDA government has ushered in an era of peace, turning Assam into a hub of development and education, and is resolved to continue this progress unabated. May this day strengthen our bond of unity and deepen our connection with our culture.”
Asom Divas, observed annually on December 2 as a regional public holiday, honors Chaolung Sukaphaa’s arrival in 1228 AD.
The Tai prince from present-day Yunnan, China, crossed the treacherous Patkai hills after a 13-year odyssey, founding the Ahom Kingdom that ruled for nearly 600 years.
He famously repelled Mughal invasions and fostered a pluralistic society through diplomacy rather than conquest.
Declared a state holiday in 1996, the day symbolizes “Bor Asom” (Greater Assam), blending indigenous traditions with Ahom valor.
Vibrant Celebrations Echo Unity And Heritage
From Guwahati’s Rabindra Bhawan to rural outposts, Assam pulsed with festivities today.
Grand processions featured indigenous dances, such as Bihu, Bagurumba, and Bhortal, accompanied by folk music and cymbals.
Cultural programs at historic sites paid tribute to Sukaphaa’s inclusive vision, while award ceremonies recognized local heroes preserving Assamese art and language.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma echoed Shah’s sentiments, vowing to build on Sukaphaa’s dream of a “proud, strong, and united” state.
“We remain dedicated to forging Bor Asom, blending heritage with modern aspirations,” Sarma posted on X, highlighting youth-led initiatives in cultural conservation.
With over 30 million residents, these events reinforced Assam’s role as a cultural mosaic, where Ahom epics intertwine with the rich lore of its tribal communities.
Nine Years Of Peace: From Insurgency To Stability
Shah’s nod to “an era of peace” is not mere rhetoric, but tangible shifts back to it.
Pre-2014, Assam grappled with frequent bombings and ethnic clashes; today, insurgency incidents have plummeted 63% across the Northeast, from 8,700 (2006-2014) to 3,195 (2014-2023).
Key accords, including the Bodo Peace Accord and ULFA pacts, have disarmed over 9,200 militants, with 8,200 from Assam alone reintegrating into society.
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been lifted from 60% of Assam, signaling a normalization of security.
This stability has unlocked investments: Central grants surged from ₹1.27 lakh crore (in the Congress era) to ₹4.95 lakh crore under the NDA, fueling border resolutions with Meghalaya and Arunachal.
Development Surge: Assam As Northeast’s Growth Engine
Beyond peace, Shah highlighted Assam’s pivot to a “hub of development and education.” Infrastructure tells the story:
- Connectivity Boom: Airports doubled from 9 to 16; flights rose from 900 to 1,900 weekly. The Guwahati Ring Road, which links five national highways and an airport, promises seamless multimodal transit. Rail budgets for the Northeast increased from ₹2,000 crore to ₹10,200 crore, enabling the introduction of Vande Bharat services.
- Education and Skills: Institutions like IIT Guwahati and new medical colleges have boosted enrollment by 40%. Digital push via 5G and optical fiber has connected remote villages, aligning with Modi’s “Act East” vision.
- Economic Lift: ₹6,500 crore projects launched recently, including broadband and eco-tourism, position Assam as the gateway to Southeast Asia. Unemployment has decreased by 5% since 2016, with a focus on prioritizing youth employment.
These strides reflect a deliberate pivot: Where Congress-era Assam echoed with bandhs and blasts, Modi’s tenure has scripted a narrative of harmony and hustle.
As PM Modi noted in a recent Guwahati address, “The next chapter belongs to the East and North East.”
A Timely Reflection Amid National Aspirations
Shah’s message arrives as Assam prepares its fiscal 2026 budget, with an emphasis on green energy and heritage tourism.
However, challenges linger; flood mitigation and ethnic inclusivity demand vigilant stewardship.
By weaving Ahom pride with modern metrics, Asom Divas 2025 is not just a commemoration; it is a clarion call for sustained unity and cohesion.
In Assam’s tea gardens and temple spires, today’s joy underscores a more profound truth: When roots run deep, progress soars.
As the state honors its founders, all India shares in the pride of a Northeast reborn.
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