Guwahati, April 1: The Congress party has launched a strong protest against the demolition of historic structures across Assam by the BJP-led government, with leaders exploring legal action, including filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Gauhati High Court, to halt further destruction.
Staging a demonstration in front of Meghdoot Bhawan, Pan Bazar, on Tuesday, the Guwahati City District Congress Committee (GCDCC) condemned the recent demolition of the 19th-century Mahafezkhana (record room) in Pan Bazar. The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) razed the structure, claiming the land was needed for redevelopment.
Congress spokesperson Bedabrata Bora criticized the government’s disregard for Assam’s history, calling the demolition a “direct attack on the cultural fabric of the region.” He further ridiculed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s statement downplaying the loss, arguing that historical structures built during the British era remain integral to Assam’s identity.
“There was no need to demolish a building that had stood for over a century just to construct a park. If the government can build a new Assembly building, should we now expect them to demolish the old one too? Heritage structures must be preserved for future generations. Will they also demolish the Northbrook Gate?” Bora questioned.
The Congress party has accused the government of acting arbitrarily, prioritizing commercial projects over historical preservation. Bora specifically criticized Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, alleging that state ministers are pushing for demolitions without public consultation.
“We want heritage sites to be preserved. These structures, built by the British and the Ahom rulers, are integral to our history and must be protected,” said GCDCC president Gopal Sarma. He emphasized that the Mahafezkhana was “not just a building, but heritage,” housing crucial records of Assam’s past.
Former Guwahati mayor Kushal Sarma also condemned the government’s actions, labelling them as “reckless” and an indication of incompetence. He pointed out that despite having a Chief Minister, MPs, MLAs, and a mayor from Guwahati, the state failed to protect its own historical assets.
“The BJP has made Assam’s heritage resources insecure. After Mahafezkhana’s destruction, people are now wondering what historic site will be targeted next,” he warned.
Historians and conservationists have also expressed outrage, highlighting Assam’s poor track record in protecting its architectural heritage. Built between 1855 and 1865, Mahafezkhana was one of the oldest pucca structures in Assam and the Northeast. The building, which served as a repository of crucial records during British rule and afterwards, represented a significant chapter in the region’s history.
