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Bharat Ratna to Assamese martyrs demanded

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Oct 30 - The Asom Songrami Mancha today urged the Centre to honour Piyoli Barphukan and Jiuram Duliya Baruah � the country�s first martyrs in the fight against British imperialism � with Bharat Ratna, India�s highest civilian award.

The Mancha said in a statement that the sacrifices made by the Assamese during the British occupation of India had not got adequate recognition and few were aware that it was the two patriotic Assamese who were the first from the country to lay down their lives while fighting the British.

�Piyoli Barphukan and Jiuram Duliya Baruah were hanged to death on the bank of the Sivasagar Tank in August 1830 after being given death sentence by David Scott, the Cherrapunji Sessions Court Judge, on August 6, 1830. Thereafter, a number of brave Assamese including Maniram Dewan who was a major rebel leader during the Sepoy Revolution of 1857, made the supreme sacrifice. Regrettably, mainstream India has not recognised most of these sacrifices in the desired manner,� it said.

The Mancha added that the 75th year celebration of India�s Independence after three years should be the ideal occasion to honour the martyrdom of Piyoli Barphukan and Jiuram Duliya Baruah.

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