Assam: Freedom fighter Bom Singpho’s memorial lies in ruins, locals demand govt's intervention

Bhogeswar Shyam, retired Secretary of the Department of Handloom and Textiles, Government of Assam criticised the current BJP-led government for failing to honour Margherita freedom fighter Bom Singpho, amid the ongoing "Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" initiative.
 

He pointed out that a Bhawan built in 1995 in his memory is now in a dilapidated condition, with no efforts made to restore it despite appeals from local leaders.
 

Shyam, who was serving as Extra Additional Commissioner (EAC) in Tinsukia district in 1995, explained that an amount of Rs 2.5 lakhs was sanctioned from the MP LAD fund by Lakhimpur MP Balin Kuli for the construction of the Bhawan at Inthem, about 17 kilometers from the Margherita headquarters. 
 

However, he alleged that vested interests diverted the funds, resulting in the construction of a substandard building that has since collapsed. Despite this, no government authority has initiated any steps to renovate the Bhawan.
 

Bom Singpho, a prominent freedom fighter who led a rebellion against the British in 1830, was captured and sent to Dhaka Jail by the British government. Shyam emphasised that Bom Singpho, whose descendants still reside in Bisa Gaon Ledo under Khumchai Gaon Panchayat in the Margherita Constituency, has been forgotten by both the Assam and Central governments. 
 

He called for equal recognition of Bom Singpho alongside other freedom fighters and for proper tribute to be paid to his sacrifice for the nation’s independence.
 

The continued neglect of Bom Singpho’s memorial has led to growing concerns among his family and the local community, who feel his contributions to India’s freedom struggle remain overlooked.