Wagah like Indo-Bangla border in Karimganj; State will send proposal says Sonowal 

Since 1959, every day in the evening, the Wagah border situated between Lahore in Pakistan and Amritsar in India exhibits an extravaganza. Call it hypernationalism or showmanship the lowering of the flag ceremony or beating retreat attracts tourists from over the country. The security forces from both the countries follow a process which includes parades, singing of the national anthem, chanting patriotic slogans and many other activities. This event is to officially shut the border before sunset for it to open again the next morning. Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonwal, on Saturday, said that the state government will soon send a proposal to the central government to develop the India-Bangladesh border at Karimganj in line with the India-Pakistan Wagah border located in Grand Trunk Road, to attract tourists.

Sarbananda Sonowal was speaking during the discussion on faster socio-economic development of Barak valley as part of Speaker’s initiative at Assam Legislative Assembly on Saturday.

He said that the BJP led government has taken several such initiatives that will promote brotherhood between the people of Bramhaputra Valley and Barak Valley. “Kamalakhya Dey Purakayastha reminded me about the sepoy mutiny at Karimganj where 26 Indian soldiers laid down their lives for the country. That site has historical importance and we will send a proposal to the Central government for setting up a Wagah border like centre at Karimganj in remembrance of the martyrs,” said the chief minister.

He added that the state government has also taken initiative to set up a mini secretariat in Silchar which will help to decentralise the power and also facilitate the citizens to avail government service in a shorter period.

The Chief Minister also added that his government organised two river festivals, Namami Bramhaputra and Namami Barak at Bramhaputra and Barak Valley respectively and was surprised to see the participation from the people. “The state government organised the Namami Barak festival covering all the three districts of the valley, which showcased its natural resources, heritage and culture,” Sonowal highlighted.

So will we see beating retreat in Karimganj, it remains to be seen.