Several indigenous and social organisations across Assam observed ‘Black Day’ on Tuesday to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Treaty of Yandabo. The treaty is termed a historic turning point that marked the end of Assam’s sovereignty and the beginning of colonial rule.
The Treaty of Yandabo, signed on February 24, 1826, formally concluded the First Anglo-Burmese War and resulted in the transfer of Assam to the British East India Company.
As a mark of protest, participants wore black badges during a day-long programme. Speakers stated that the treaty ushered in far-reaching political, demographic, socio-economic, and cultural changes that, over time, eroded the rights and status of Assam’s indigenous communities.
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In Dibrugarh, the event was held at the Tai Educational and Cultural Centre in Boiragimoth. It was was jointly organised by several groups, including Khilonjia Mancha, Indigenous Peoples of Mong-Dun-Chun-Kham Assam, All Assam Ahom Sabha, All Assam Matak Sanmilan, Assam Moran Sabha, All Assam Chutia Jati Sanmilan, All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Sanmilan and the North-East Indigenous Peoples’ Forum, among others.
King Badosa, Sukapha, Sati Sadhani, Bir Chilarai, Lachit Borphukan, Romakanta Saikia, Sarbananda Singha, Gomdhar Konwar, Maniram Dewan, Kushal Konwar, Kanaklata Barua and Raghav Moran were among those remembered. Two panel discussions were also held during the programme.
Meanwhile, in Nagaon, the bicentenary of the treaty was observed at a separate event organised by Sangrami Satirtha Assam Movement. The programme was attended by several prominent citizens, including Durlav Chamua, Kshitish Das and Dipak Saikia. Speakers emphasised the need to remember and critically reflect on the past while drawing lessons for the future, rather than remaining confined to historical grievances.
In Sivasagar, the Veer Lachit Sena observed the day with a series of programmes, including a “Jagaran Yatra” and a public meeting at the historic Talatal Ghar premises. The Jagaran Yatra was taken out from Boarding Playground, featuring symbolic displays of the traditional attire, customs, and cultural heritage of different indigenous communities.
