Assam to preserve freedom fighter Kushal Konwar's house

Guwahati, June 15 Seventy three years after Kushal Konwar laid down his life during the country's freedom struggle, the Assam government has decided to preserve the martyr's house.

This was announced by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday while paying tributes to the martyr.

Sonowal also said that the government would repair the road that leads to the house at Balijan near Sarupathar in Assam's Golaghat district.

"Swahid Kushal Konwar, who wholeheartedly dedicated himself in the country's freedom struggle and sacrificed his life, needs highest degree of obeisance from everybody," Sonowal said while speaking on Konwar's death anniversary at Nehru Park here.

Born in 1905 at Balijan, Kushal Konwar was attracted towards the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and took part in the freedom struggle since 1921, when he was still in school.

A member of the Indian National Congress, Konwar was, however, accused as chief conspirator by the then British government for sabotage leading to the derailment of a military train in which several British soldiers were killed.

He was declared guilty by a trial court and was subsequently hanged in Jorhat jail on June 15, 1943. Konwar accepted the verdict with dignity.

"His contribution to India's freedom movement carved a niche for the state in the national landscape. Kushal Konwar inspired us to value honesty, morality and humanity and he exemplified his love for the nation through his valour and sacrifice," Sonowal said.

Sonowal also attended an all-faith prayer meeting held on the occasion, where Jamuna Konwar, daughter-in-law of Kushal Konwar, other freedom fighters and senior citizens were present.

IANS