Silchar, May 19: Bhasha Swahid Divas (Language Martyrs Day) was observed today across Assam's Barak Valley to commemorate the death of 11 people who were killed on May 19, 1961, during an agitation demanding the revocation of the Assam Official Language Act, 1960.

According to the act, Assamese was to be the only official language of the state.

People gathered at Silchar railway station this morning (where 11 protesters were killed in police firing) to pay tribute at the martyrs' memorial.

On the occasion, state PWD, fisheries and excise minister Parimal Suklabaidya said it was a day of pride for the citizens of Barak Valley and the sacrifice of the martyrs would be remembered forever.

On renaming Silchar railway station as Bhasha Shahid Station, he said the procedure was under way. He said progress had been slow but the government was committed to fulfil the demand.

Silchar MLA and Deputy Speaker Dilip Kumar Paul said the people needed to be more conscious about conserving the Bengali language.

State agriculture, veterinary and irrigation minister Atul Bora, state water resources minister Keshav Mahanta, Silchar MP Sushmita Dev, MLAs and a few others were also present.

People also gathered at Silchar cremation ground (where the last rites of the martyrs were performed) to pay floral tribute at the commemorative plaque.

Particularly youth and schoolchildren were seen queuing up at Gandhi Park in the afternoon to pay homage at the martyrs' column at 2.30pm, when the firing took place in 1961.

Cultural events, including rallies, street plays and musical performances were held in the valley.

Various organisations, including the Sammilita Sanskritik Mancha, Matribhasha Suraksha Samiti, All Assam Higher Secondary Teachers and Employees Association, Zilla Parishad Karmachari Sangstha, Barak Art and Craft Society and others held programmes.