Assam: AASU announces 12-hour hunger strike at Gauhati University for Shaheed Bedi reconstruction

Guwahati: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) units of Gauhati University and University Law College will hold a 12-hour hunger strike on December 15, starting at 6 am, to demand the immediate reconstruction of the historic Shaheed Bedi (Martyrs’ Memorial) on campus.

Considered a key symbol of the Assam Movement, the Shaheed Bedi collapsed during a severe storm on May 27, 2024, and has since remained in a neglected and dilapidated condition, alarming students and alumni.

Despite repeated appeals to university authorities, the memorial’s reconstruction has seen little progress, according to AASU.

Leaders of the student body highlighted that assurances were given multiple times, yet the issue remains unresolved even after two Vice-Chancellors took office and several other campus development projects were completed.

They argued that the prolonged neglect demonstrates a lack of commitment to preserving the university’s historical legacy.

The hunger strike has been planned to protest the delay and demand immediate action, the AASU units said in a statement.

They stated that the program aims to attract public attention and strengthen collective efforts to protect this significant symbol of Assam’s history.

In response to the announcement, the university administration said the foundation stone for the reconstruction of Shaheed Bedi would be laid on the same day.

Although laying a foundation stone for a repair project is unusual, students welcomed the decision as a positive move toward implementing the project.

The student organisation cautioned, however, that symbolic gestures must be backed by swift and tangible progress.

They urged the university to commence the reconstruction immediately and complete it without further delays, warning that any continued postponement would lead to an escalation of their agitation.