Dibrugarh: Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday said his government would take steps to preserve heritage sites and ancient monuments.

Sonowal was speaking at the Asom Divas programme at Tipam (Naharkatia) in Dibrugarh district where he presented the Siu-Ka-Pha Award 2017 to Tai scholar Bimal Borpatragohain. The award carries a cash award of Rs 2 lakh.

Sonowal said Chaolung Sukapha believed in integration and was instrumental in unifying tribes. He worked for the development of Assam and Assamese society and, as a strong believer in the idea of unity in diversity, he never imposed his language, culture or religion on his subjects.

"We should follow the path of the great king and maintain peace, harmony and brotherhood. We should work with dedication for Assam and Assamese society," he said, adding, "It becomes our duty to preserve ancient monuments and places."

The state government has been observing December 2 as Asom Divas or Sukapha Divas since 1996 to mark the coronation of Sukapha, the founder of the Ahom dynasty and the architect of greater Assam.

"Today is a historical day for us because we are observing Asom Divas here. Sukapha came here from upper Burma in the 12th century and founded the Ahom kingdom at Charaideo," Sonowal said.

He said they have formed the government in Assam with the help of the people and their priority is to safeguard the basic rights of the people.

Assam cultural affairs minister Noba Kumar Doley, Dibrugarh MP Rameshwar Teli, Jorhat MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Dibrugarh deputy commissioner Laya Madduri and MLAs attended the programme.