JORHAT, Aug 7 � The Jorhat Central Jail at Borbheta, which was formerly the Jorhat District Jail, constructed during the British rule in 1909 and was opened in 1911, is ready to observe its centenary year.
The inaugural function of the centenary year celebration will be held on August 9. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi will inaugurate the year-long programme in the auditorium of the Assam Agricultural University on August 9.
During the national freedom movement of India a large number of freedom fighters were imprisoned in this jail. Prominent among them were former Satradhikar of Garmur Satra of Majuli, Pitambor Deva
Goswami, former President of India Fakaruddin Ali Ahmed, former chief minister Bimala Prasad Chaliha and Kamala Miri. Another freedom fighter, Kushal Konwar was hanged in this jail on June 15, 1943.
The cell where martyr Konwar was lodged has been preserved by being kept vacant and installation of a
nameplate. Similarly, the cell where the Satradhikar was lodged separately is being renovated for preservation.
As the prison completed 100 years in 2011, it has acquired a heritage value and has become a part of the history of India�s freedom struggle. On August 9, 1942 the Quit India
movement was launched to send the British away from India. In view of this the year-long celebration will be inaugurated on August 9 this year.
The function will begin with inauguration of the cell where Satradhikar Pitambar Deva Goswami was lodged, as a memorial cell. The function will be attended by Akan Bora, Minister of Jail and Haridev Goswami, Satradhikar of Garmur Satra, Majuli among others.
It needs to be mentioned that it was a district jail till
1996. Then it was upgraded to Central Jail. Previously only male prisoners were kept in the jail. But in 1934 a female ward was introduced in the jail.
After Kushal Konwar, Henry Robert was hanged in 1989, Kanpai Burhagohain was hanged in 1990 and Upen Rajkhowa was hanged in 1976. It is the only jail in North East where there is the provision of hanging people condemned to death.
