Jorhat: In a momentous event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a towering 125-foot bronze statue of the legendary ‘Ahom general’ Lachit Borphukan in Assam’s Jorhat. The grand unveiling took place at the Lachit Borphukan Maidam Development Project in Hollongapar near Teok in,Jorhat district on March 9
Draped in traditional attire and headgear, PM Modi, who arrived in Jorhat from Arunachal Pradesh by helicopter, actively participated in an Ahom ritual. Guided by Mohon, Deodhai, and Bailungs—respected Ahom community priests—he performed Puja rituals to mark the significant occasion of revealing the ‘Statue of Valour.’
Accompanying the Prime Minister during this auspicious event was Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The statue, a creation of renowned sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, stands tall at 84 feet, mounted on a 41-foot pedestal, boasting an impressive height of 125 feet. The foundation for this monumental structure was laid by former President Ram Nath Kovind in February 2022.
Lachit Borphukan, a legendary army commander of the Ahom kingdom (1228-1826), gained historical prominence for his exceptional leadership during the 1671 ‘Battle of Saraighat.’ In this decisive encounter, he thwarted the formidable Mughal forces, led by Raja Ramsingh-I, preventing their prolonged attempt to reclaim Assam.
Following the statue unveiling, Prime Minister Modi is slated to address a substantial gathering in a public meeting. Additionally, he will inaugurate development projects valued at a staggering Rs. 18,000 crores—a testament to the government’s commitment to bolstering regional progress and infrastructure.
During his groundbreaking visit to Arunachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi orchestrated a historic moment by inaugurating the Sela Tunnel in Itanagar and introducing the UNNATI scheme, designed to catalyse industrial growth in the North East.
The Sela Tunnel, an engineering marvel, proudly stands as the world’s longest twin-lane tunnel meticulously constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) employing innovative Austrian Tunnelling methods. With a substantial investment of Rs 825 crore, this strategically positioned infrastructure project, perched at an elevation of 13,000 feet, holds the promise of ensuring all-weather connectivity to Tawang through the Sela pass, significantly enhancing regional transport efficiency. This dual feat underscores the government’s commitment to fostering connectivity, economic development, and progress in the Northeastern region. PM Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones of project worth Rupees 41000 crore in the bordering state.
