By Bhupen Goswami

Guwahati : Assam along with the rest of the nation celebrated the 73rd Independence Day on Thursday. The central programme was organized at the Assam Veterinary College playground at Khanapara in Guwahati.Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal unfurled the national tricolour at the programme. Glowing tributes were paid to all the freedom fighters of the nation and the state including Mahatma Gandhi sho had led the freedom movement.Several prominent freedom fighters of the state like Moneswar Basumatary, Bhaskar Kalita, Bipul Bora, Biswajit Chauhan, Niraj Chettri, Nirid Sarma, Kalidas Sarma and Sunil Kalita were also paid glowing tributes on the occasion. Sonowal in his speech also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in leading the nation through his innovative and path-breaking leadership. Sonowal also thanked the central leadership for bestowing Bharat Ratna to Late Dr Bhupen Hazarika. He also said that his government is committed for safeguarding the rights of the sons of the soil. The chief minister also said that the initiative taken to implement the Clause 6 of the Assam Accord will prove to be protective shield of the indigenous communities of the State. Sonowal also said the final NRC to be published shortly will ensure that Assam will be free from infiltrators. The programme also witnessed a graceful march-past by various contingents of the security personnel followed by a colourful cultural programme.