Shillong, Oct 14: The Achik State People’s Front (ASPF) has urged the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to name the Dhubri–Phulbari Bridge in honour of Garo freedom fighter Sonaram R Sangma.
In a letter to the ministry, through the Chief Minister and the NHIDCL Managing Director, the organisation said that the bridge, which is India’s longest river bridge, under construction over the Brahmaputra River should officially be named ‘Pa Sonaram R. Sangma Bridge’ as a historic recognition of one of the earliest freedom fighters, social reformers, and political visionaries of Northeast India — a leader whose ideals of unity, justice, and self-determination continue to inspire generations of Garos.
The ASPF said the The Dhubri–Phulbari Bridge, under execution by NHIDCL with international assistance from JICA, will span approximately 19.3 km across the Brahmaputra River, connecting Dhubri (Assam) and Phulbari (Meghalaya). After completion it will be the longest river bridge in India, transforming connectivity between the plains of Assam and the western region of Meghalaya, boosting trade, agriculture, education, and healthcare access.
“Given its geographical placement directly adjoining Garo Hills, it is appropriate and just that this national landmark commemorates a Garo freedom fighter whose contributions to India’s anti-colonial movement and regional awakening were monumental,” the organisation said.
Sonaram was the first Garo leader to demand a distinct administrative and political autonomy for the Garos under the British regime, laying the ideological foundation for later movements that culminated in the creation of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council and, eventually, the State of Meghalaya itself, the ASPF said.
