October 10, 2017: Once people would assemble at Bhaktathakur Ghat and patiently wait for traders’ boat in Burima River. Villagers would sell their agri-produces to the traders. Over the time, Burima river has turned into a placid rivulet and life at Bhaktathakur Ghat is no longer busy as it was some 70 years ago. Yet the otherwise obscure and somewhat somnolent hamlet still reminds us about unequal struggle of Jhumia and farmers against mighty feudal lords and private money lenders that it had once witnessed on October 9 in1948. It was on this day Burima River had turned into blood streams as 12 farmers were mercilessly shot dead by police in a shrewd conspiracy hatched by Mahajans.
This place tells the story of the indigenous people’s desperate attempt to save their crops at a time of drought and famine like situation from the clutches of money lenders. What actually happened on that unfortunate day has different versions – One says, the tribal villagers tried to snatch away the produces that one Hari Saha ,an infamous money lender of Bishalgarh was taking via boat while another version says the tribal villagers were just trying to pursue Hari Saha to allow them to keep their produces. Whatever be the reason, Hari Saha had rushed to Bishalgarh police station and came back with policemen who opened fire and killed 12 persons. Even though 70 years have ticked on, people of Tripura still remember the day and pay respects to the martyrs.
To mark the day, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar inaugurated Martyr Memorial Column, Memorial Garden and Khumchak Kala Kendra, constructed in memory of the 12 farmers who were killed on October 9 in Golaghati 69 years ago. The Column –with massive murals depicting the incident stood solemn to remind ‘the day’ in the history of those struggling time in Tripura.
Inaugurating the memorial Sarkar said, “Bhakta Thakur Para is the worst instance of exploitation by money lenders. The Martyr Memorial and Garden dedicated in memory of the people who became victims of money lenders’ exploitative activities 69 years ago.”
Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the persons who provided their Jot land for the memorial and park. Remembering the sacrifices of Martyrs, He urged to continue struggle ensuring abolition of exploitation of all sorts.
Commenting on prevailing situation, Sarkar said, “Relevance of people who struggled against torture has not been ended till today. Common people are still facing exploitation even though it has changed its form.” He further added, “Exploitation will not stop unless we change our national policies. The people of Tripura have taken a vital role in struggles against exploitation all over the country.” He expected the park and Column will encourage people to strengthen the struggle against exploitation.
Urging to highlight the history of Golaghati to the present generation, he warned about emerging situation in the country and stressed on unified movement against social injustice and exploitation. He also urged people to remain vigil against any attempt to disrupt communal harmony and peace.
