Guwahati: Attending the Jungal Balahu Divas and Bhumipujan ceremony for development of tourist facilities at the legendary Tiwa ruler’s rampart in Raha locality of central Assam, State chief minister Himanata Biswa Sarma on Tuesday commented that the medieval era ruler Jungal Balahu made immense contributions towards the socio-economic and spiritual progress of various communities inhabiting Assam.
“His reign can be termed one of the most glorious chapters of Tiwa community’s history. Its also an important part of Assam history as Jungal Balahu showcased the saga of valour and it should spread far and wide,” said Sarma adding that with this aim the government has taken the decision to develop the area as a tourist destination with facilities ranging from electric buggy vehicles, floating bridges over the water section, Changghar, guest house, Tiwa museum, cycle track, conference hall, information centre, etc.
He also informed that Rs 50 crores will be spent on the project. Moreover the authority will purchase additional 10 bighas of land around the tourist facility so that a park/garden depicting Tiwa culture and identity could be developed. Sarma appealed to the public to co-operate with the government in its endeavour to upgrade the connecting road towards Jungal Balahu rampart. He also directed the tourism department to look into the possibility of holding a tourist’s fare every year at the centre and hosting Jungal Balahu Divas in association with the Tiwa socio-cultural organizations.
In presence of State ministers Pijush Hazarika, Jayanta Mallabaruah, Keshab Mahanta, Parimal Shuklabadya, legislators Sashikanta Das, Rupak Sarma, Jitu Goswami, Ramakanta Deuri, Assam tourism development corporation chief Rituparna Barua, Tiwa autonmous council chief Jiban Chandra Konwar with other dignitaries, Sarma urged the Tiwa population to remain rooted to their culture and identity while maintaining a safe distance from the trend of religious conversion. He asserted that the ethnicity cannot thrive for long if it loses its cultural roots.
Tiwa ruler Jungal Balahu’s contribution remembered
