Farmers of Phulaguri, site of first peasant uprising against British, seek better facilities

Guwahati: The condition of farmers in Phulaguri, a village in Nagaon district where India’s first anti-British peasant uprising took place on Oct 18, 1861, is yet to improve even after 77 years of India’s independence. On the 163rd anniversary of the uprising, the peasants of this historic village expressed their concerns. The uprising was a bold stand against the British empire’s oppressive policies and heavy taxation on agricultural products.

Around 59 peasants were shot dead by the British, and several were jailed and hanged during the uprising. However, their contributions have faded into oblivion, said Pradip Deka, secretary of the Phulaguri Dhewa Smriti Rakhya Samiti, a committee of locals dedicated to preserving the memory of the uprising.

Deka, who is also a farmer, told TOI that the plight of the farmers has hardly improved even after 163 years. They have yet to be introduced to scientific agricultural techniques to achieve high yields. “Today, with the unabated price hike of essential commodities and heavy taxation by the govt, farmers have been the worst affected. Despite the significance of Phulaguri in India’s struggle for independence, the farmers of the village are yet to receive advanced equipment, farming training, and good quality seeds from the government to increase their agricultural production and lead a better life,” Deka added.

The committee members also criticised the govt for neglecting the historical event and not promoting it enough outside the state.

They urged the establishment of a martyrs’ memorial in Phulaguri to attract visitors from across the country, which would also promote tourism.

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