The All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) marked the 29th Anti-Terrorism Day in Assam’s Chirang district with a solemn tribute to the late leader Swmbla Basumatary. The event, held at Swmbla Basumatary Memorial Park in Runikhata, aimed to promote peace and raise awareness against all forms of terrorism and violence in society.
This annual observation carries special meaning for the Bodo community. It reflects both their historical struggles and their commitment to peaceful progress. The ceremony drew students, activists, and local residents who joined ABSU members in remembering past sacrifices while voicing strong support for nonviolence.
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Remembering Swmbla Basumatary’s Sacrifice
Swmbla Basumatary, a former vice president of ABSU, lost his life during the Bodoland movement. His name has become a symbol of courage and unwavering dedication to the cause of Bodo rights. Each year, ABSU ensures that Anti-Terrorism Day also serves as a platform to honor his legacy.
At the memorial park, union leaders laid floral wreaths and lit candles to remember Basumatary. A moment of silence was observed in his memory, as speakers described his role in advocating for peace and identity-based justice. His contributions continue to inspire the younger generation of Bodo students.
A Message of Peace and Unity
The event’s central message was clear—violence can never lead to lasting solutions. ABSU leaders urged the public, especially the youth, to embrace peaceful methods while addressing political or social issues. They stressed the importance of dialogue, democratic processes, and education as tools to build a secure and just society.
ABSU president Dipen Boro delivered a passionate speech, emphasizing the role of youth in shaping the region’s future. He said that Swmbla Basumatary stood not only for Bodo autonomy but also for the idea that peace must be the foundation of all movements. “We cannot build a future on hatred or destruction,” he added.
Educating Youth Against Extremism
One of the core goals of the event was to educate young people about the dangers of extremism. ABSU used the platform to promote awareness about how terrorism affects not just lives but also progress, development, and human rights. Local schools were encouraged to hold special sessions to discuss the significance of this day.
Pamphlets were distributed during the event highlighting historical examples of peace-led movements in Assam and other parts of the country. Teachers and student leaders shared stories that illustrated how constructive action has always been more effective than violence.
Voices from the Community
Residents of Runikhata and nearby villages actively took part in the observance. Many praised ABSU for keeping the memory of Swmbla Basumatary alive while guiding the youth towards peaceful activism. Community members noted that today’s generation must learn from the sacrifices of the past to ensure a more harmonious future.
A local teacher, Rani Basumatary, said, “It is heartening to see students learning about Swmbla Basumatary and Anti-Terrorism Day in such a meaningful setting. His story teaches us that even in hard times, our values must remain strong.”
Reinforcing a Peaceful Bodo Identity
For ABSU, observing this day is about more than symbolism. It represents a firm stand against any attempt to derail peace in the region. Over the years, the union has transformed from a movement-driven body to one that promotes education, culture, and policy advocacy. Anti-Terrorism Day helps reinforce these goals by reminding everyone where they come from and what they must avoid repeating.
The memorial park itself has become a space where dialogue, remembrance, and learning take place. The union also announced that more cultural and educational events will be held at the park throughout the year, focusing on peace-building and regional identity.
As ABSU observes Anti-Terrorism Day, it sends out a powerful message that terrorism, in any form, cannot be the path forward. Through remembrance, community participation, and youth engagement, the union continues to guide the Bodo society toward peace and inclusive growth. Swmbla Basumatary’s legacy lives on—not just in speeches or rituals, but in the firm commitment of a generation that refuses to embrace violence.
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