Guwahati, Nov. 24: Assam Governor Lt. Gen. (retd) S.K. Sinha today made a strong case for the granting of national hero status to legendary warrior of the state, Lachit Barphukan.

Speaking at a function organised on the occasion of Lachit Divas at the Bir Lachit Barphukan Park in Jalukbari today, the Governor said as a warrior and statesman, Lachit Barphukan was in the same category as Chattrapati Shivaji and Rana Pratap.

The programme was organised under the auspices of Kamrup district administration and the Assam Tourism Development Corporation.

He said two large paintings of Lachit Barphukan and Chilarai would be put up at the “hall of fame” in the National Defence Academy in Dehra Dun in recognition of their feats.

Lachit Barphukan is hailed as a legendary hero of Assam who defeated the Mughals in the Battle of Saraighat in March 1671, thereby rescuing the people from the clutches of the Mughals.

The Governor said the case for granting Lachit Barphukan national hero status has been strengthened by the National Defence Academy’s decision to institute a gold medal for the best student in his name.

The Assam government has also instituted several awards in his name.

He said the legendary warrior of Assam occupied an important place among the great army generals of India during the Mughal rule and it was the duty of the countrymen to accord him the status he deserved.

Calling upon the youth to emulate the patriotic qualities of warrior Lachit Barphukan and to shun violence, chief minister Tarun Gogoi said the way to peace was through dialogues.

Gogoi said Lachit Barphukan was an epitome of indomitable spirit who knew how to inspire his men.

His keen sense of duty should be a guiding principle for today’s youth, he added.

Several freedom fighters, civil, police and army officials attended the function.