Shattered Legacy: Freedom Fighter’s Ruined Memorial Ignites Outrage, Demanding Govt. Action Now

Bhogeswar Shyam, a former Secretary of the Department of Handloom and Textiles, Government of Assam, has launched a scathing attack on the current BJP-led government for its failure to honor freedom fighter Bom Singpho, a prominent figure in the Indian independence struggle. Shyam’s criticism comes amid the ongoing “Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” initiative, a government-backed celebration of India’s 75th anniversary of independence.

According to Shyam, the former freedom fighter’s legacy is being neglected, and his memorial, the Bhawan, built in 1995, is now in a state of disrepair. Despite efforts by local leaders to appeal for its restoration, no significant steps have been taken to revive the structure. Shyam, who was serving as the Extra Additional Commissioner in Tinsukia district at the time, reveals that a grant of Rs 2.5 lakhs was sanctioned from the MP LAD fund for the construction of the Bhawan. However, he alleges that the funds were mismanaged, resulting in the construction of a substandard building that has since fallen into disrepair.

Shyam attributes the neglect of Bom Singpho’s legacy to “vested interests” and calls for a rethink on the celebration of India’s independence. “Bom Singpho, along with his descendants, still reside in Bisa Gaon Ledo under Khumchai Gaon Panchayat in the Margherita Constituency,” he emphasizes. “It is essential that his contributions to India’s freedom struggle are recognized and a proper tribute is paid to his sacrifice for the nation’s independence.”

The local community and Bom Singpho’s family are growing increasingly concerned about the lack of recognition and the inadequate upkeep of his memorial. They feel that his sacrifices are being ignored, and his legacy is slowly fading into obscurity. Shyam urges the governments of Assam and the Centre to recognize Bom Singpho’s efforts alongside those of other freedom fighters and to provide a suitable tribute to his sacrifice.

As tensions rise, it remains to be seen if the government will heed Shyam’s appeal and take steps to revitalize the Bhawan and acknowledge Bom Singpho’s role in India’s struggle for independence. The controversy highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to commemorating India’s freedom struggle, ensuring that the sacrifices of all freedom fighters, including Bom Singpho, are not forgotten.

Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/video/assam-freedom-fighter-bom-singphos-memorial-lies-in-ruins-locals-demand-govts-intervention-1182883-2025-03-12?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-12 13:22:00