The Freedom Struggle which last for more than a century saw many incidents and events which shook to the Colonial Rule to the core. These incidents were scattered all over the country and also over the entire time. While some of the incidents have received a lot of importance and highlight and is well known throughout the country but sadly many have not been showcased properly. This has led to a situation where not many people are versed with them and they have been lost in the sands of time. One such incident which I want to highlight today occurred at Sarbhog in Barpeta District of Assam, where the civilian population rose up against not only the British Government but also its Army and was able to destroy a proposed Aerodrome which was under construction.
In 1942, the British was feeling the heat of the Japanese attack and it had lots huge portion of its Empire. So, the British were preparing its defenses to face the onslaught of the Japanese. It was decided that a big aerodrome would be constructed near the Beki River at a distance of about eight kilometers from Sarbhong Town. The proposed aerodrome was to be built at a plot of almost 4,000 bighas, which was village grazing reserve. The construction was taken up on war footing and huge numbers of workers were deployed at the site. The task was to be done by the Military Engineering Service and eight Army barracks were also constructed. These were to be occupied by the British and American Army soldiers who were scheduled to arrive on the 31st of August.
At the time when the British authorities were busy with the construction of the aerodrome, the Barnagar Santi Sena Bahini decided to fight against the construction of the aerodrome. In line with the nonviolent character of the Freedom Movement, it was decided to use non-cooperation measure to prevent and halt the construction of the aerodrome. It was decided that they would block the movement of raw materials and also ensure that no laborer’s are available to work at the site. They even did picketing at the site but sadly the British authorities did not give much attention to their protests and were able to bypass all the measures taken by them.
As all nonviolent measure failed, it was decided by them that they would destroy the under construction aerodrome. Another advantage which they has was that a very small section of Assam Police was available to guard the place. So, on the night of the 26th of August 1942, the men attacked the aerodrome. They first disconnected all lines of communication from Sarbhog and this was done to ensure that no outside interference. They even destroyed the bridges leading to the site and also, dug ditches on the roads. When the attack on the aerodrome occurred, all present at the site including the Police personnel fled the place. The entire place was soon put to flame and the entire aerodrome was destroyed. They also destroyed the eight Army barracks, the Police station, the Inspection Bungalow and all equipment of the Military Engineering Service.
The British Army arrived on the 30th of August and helped the Police to arrest many persons and a number of them received jail sentences for the attack. This incident stands as a testimony to the will and determination of our countrymen at that time, to stand against the British and to ensure the words “Quit India” is clearly sent out to them.
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