3 days ago
Dhemaji pays tribute to victims of 2004 Independence Day bomb blast
1
2
3
4
5
6
Dibrugarh: Emotional scenes unfolded at Dhemaji College on Saturday as floral tributes were paid to the 13 victims, including 10 schoolchildren, killed in the 2004 bomb blast during Independence Day celebrations.
The ceremony, observed as Mourning Day (Shok Divas), held at the college's memorial park, saw attendees lighting diyas and offering prayers in memory of those who lost their lives in one of
Assam
's darkest tragedies. The memorial park, where statues of the 13 victims stand, was adorned with flowers as attendees observed a moment of silence.
About 22 years ago, on Aug 15, 2004, a remote-controlled bomb planted by the banned militant group United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa) exploded near the college gate during Independence Day celebrations.
The blast, which occurred around 8.50 am when students and teachers from various schools were entering the parade ground, claimed 13 lives — most of them schoolchildren aged between 12 and 14.
Dhemaji DC Rahul Suresh Javir, SSP Hitesh Chandra Roy, Dhemaji development authority chairman Tulan Konwar, Dhemaji College principal Dipak Kumar Neog, faculty members, students and community members gathered to honour the victims.
In his address, DC Javir called for unity against violence, stating, "We must uphold the spirit of non-violence and work collectively to eradicate terrorism. The innocent lives lost that day remind us of the need for peace and harmony in society.
"
Principal Neog recounted the tragedy while paying homage to the victims, whom he termed "martyrs of peace."
"That fateful morning shattered countless families. Today, we remember not just their deaths, but their dreams that were never fulfilled," he said.
Asst professor of history, Dhemaji College, Dolly Boruah emphasised the importance of educating future generations about the consequences of extremism.
"Terrorism only brings suffering. We must teach our youth the value of peace. The 2004 Dhemaji blast remains a painful scar in Assam's history, a grim reminder of the cost of insurgency," she said.
The ceremony saw participation from people of various faiths, who joined in prayers for the departed souls. A collective oath was taken to reject violence and stand united against terrorism.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
