Silchar: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday unveiled a newly built statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Rangirkhari Rotary in Silchar, replacing the one that had stood there since long (four decades)..

Paying tribute to Netaji, Sarma recalled how the British feared him and underlined his role in the freedom struggle through the Azad Hind Fauj. He urged people to draw inspiration from Netaji’s ideals in building a stronger nation, and praised Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty for his efforts in the initiative.

The event drew a large gathering of dignitaries, including Ministers Kaushik Rai and Krishnendu Paul, MLAs Dipayan Chakraborty, Nihar Ranjan Das, Mihir Kanti Shome, Rajya Sabha MP Kanad Purkayastha, former MP Rajdeep Roy, BJP Cachar district president Rupam Saha, and several others.

As part of the programme, seven winners of an essay competition on Netaji were felicitated with cash prizes, books, certificates and mementos. MLA Dipayan Chakraborty delivered the welcome address, highlighting the activities conducted by the organising committee.

Turning to development issues, Sarma announced that work on a Rs.700 crore flyover from Rangirkhari to Capital Point in Silchar would begin by November or December, with a completion target of two and a half years.

He also said eviction drives would be carried out in Barak Valley to clear illegal encroachments, while assuring residents—particularly the Hindu Bengali community—that their concerns would be addressed.

The programme, anchored by Biplab Biswas, ended with the National Anthem.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally