GUWAHATI : The Gauhati University and University Law College units of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) have announced a 12-hour hunger strike on December 15, beginning at 6 am, demanding the immediate reconstruction of the historic Shaheed Bedi (Martyrs’ Memorial) on the university campus.

The Shaheed Bedi, a prominent symbol of the Assam Movement, collapsed during a severe storm on May 27, 2024, and has since remained in a dilapidated and neglected state. Students alleged that despite repeated formal and informal representations to the university authorities, no concrete steps have been taken to rebuild the memorial, triggering widespread concern among the campus community, including alumni.

AASU leaders said that although repeated assurances were given, the issue remained unresolved even as two Vice-Chancellors took charge during the period and several other development projects were executed on campus. The prolonged neglect of the memorial, they added, reflected a lack of seriousness in preserving Gauhati University’s historical and cultural legacy.

In a statement, the student body said the hunger strike was being organised to protest the continued delay and to press for urgent action. “We hope this programme will draw public attention to the issue and strengthen our collective resolve to protect this important symbol of our history,” the AASU units said.

Following the public announcement of the hunger strike, the university administration declared that the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the Shaheed Bedi would be laid on the same day. While laying a foundation stone for what has been described as a repair project is considered unusual, the students welcomed the announcement as a positive step towards translating assurances into action.

However, AASU cautioned that symbolic gestures must be followed by swift and tangible progress. The organisation urged the university authorities to ensure that reconstruction work begins immediately and is completed without further delay, warning that any further postponement would prompt an intensification of the agitation.

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