Tilak Deka’s Brave Stand During Assam’s Quit India Movement

On August 28, 1942, the British military advanced on Assam’s villages, prompting a young freedom fighter, Tilak Deka, to take a stand that would resonate through history. As British forces entered the area, Deka sounded a pepa, alerting the locals to the impending danger. This act of defiance would cost him his life, yet it would also cement his legacy as a hero of India’s independence struggle.

Deka was born in May 1924 in Charaibani, Morigaon. His upbringing in a humble household, led by parents Maniram and Puneshwari, did not afford him formal education. Instead, he learned the values of sacrifice and responsibility, shaping his character into one of immense integrity and courage. Known for his selflessness and devotion to his community, Deka became a symbol of resistance during the Quit India Movement, which ignited nationwide protests against British rule.

In August 1942, the All India Congress Committee passed the Quit India Resolution, leading to the immediate arrest of numerous leaders. In the district of Nagaon, where Deka lived, a massive rally emerged in Raha, spearheaded by Mahendra Nath Hazarika. Thousands gathered, determined to disrupt British operations and halt military supply routes. Their motto, “Do or Die,” encapsulated the urgency of their cause.

Acts of sabotage began to unfold, including the destruction of the Kacharikhanda bridge, a critical supply route. Freedom fighters also targeted railway lines, lifting fishplates to impede movement. In retaliation, British authorities unleashed violence, with soldiers firing on protesting crowds. Tragically, individuals such as Hemram Patar and Gunsbhiram Bardoli were killed during these confrontations.

On the night of Deka’s death, he took over guard duty for his uncle. Armed with a pepa and a knife, he patrolled the village streets with friends, ready to warn the community at the first sign of danger. When the British military approached from the Raha side, Deka blew his horn, rallying the villagers. The sound echoed through the night, joined by drums and cymbals, creating a cacophony that spread panic among the soldiers.

As British forces, led by Captain Finch and Dam Sahib, ordered freedom fighters to surrender, Deka stood firm. His companions fled, but he defiantly declared, “You all do your work; I will certainly do mine.” In response, the soldiers opened fire, and Deka fell, his blood staining the earth he sought to liberate.

Following his death, local patriots, including Nandeshwar Deka and Hila Guti Deka, recovered his body. They performed a final tribute, washing it and offering flowers before giving him a hero’s burial, a testament to his bravery. A memorial, including a swahid stambha and a bust of Deka, was later erected at the burial site to honor his sacrifice.

Deka’s commitment to the cause of Indian independence remains a significant chapter in the region’s history. His legacy continues to inspire, especially in his birthplace, where his death anniversary is observed annually. A school has also been established in his honor, ensuring that his contributions to the freedom struggle are not forgotten.

Despite his impactful legacy, Deka’s family has received limited support from the government. Local advocates have long called for recognition of his sacrifice, urging the government to provide a special donation to honor his memory properly.

Tilak Deka’s courageous stand against oppression solidifies his place in the pages of India’s independence history. His story is not only one of personal sacrifice but also a reflection of the collective struggle for freedom that defined a generation.