OUR CORRESPONDENT
ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Pradesh government will give due recognition to all freedom fighters from the State who, remained unrecognized and unsung, for their contribution to the freedom struggle, the State Assembly was informed on Saturday.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu informed that a committee would be constituted which will consult with all stakeholders including community-based organizations; and to suggest for a proposed land in the state for construction of a common memorial with inscription of names of the martyrs.
Responding to a short-duration discussion brought by Congress MLA Ninong Ering, Khandu informed that the Union Social Justice & Tribal Affairs Ministry recently in a letter had directed the State government to furnish the list of freedom fighters and accordingly, the State Social Justice & Empowerment and Tribal Affairs (SJETA) department had directed all the Deputy Commissioners to furnish the list of freedom fighters.
"So far five districts have responded to the letter," said Khandu, adding that a total of six wars were fought by the tribal people of the State against the British rule including, the Anglo-Abor wars of 1858, 1859, 1893-94 and 1911-12, Anglo-Wancho war of 1875 and Anglo-Khamti war of 1849.
"In tune with the spirit of 'Azadi Ki Amrit Mahotsav', the State government has decided to observe a month-long programme in January next year commemorating the golden jubilee year of the state, with various programmes where we will also honour the freedom fighters," Khandu said. He added that all the formalities for construction of the memorial would complete by then.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has decided to introduce chapters on Arunachal history in state's school curriculum to recall the heroics of the forefathers against the British.
"Bote Moyong is the only freedom fighter from the state to be recognized by the union Centre so far. As there are many such persons whose contributions were immense, the government will request the Centre to honour them too," Khandu said.
On suggestions from former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki to include the names of those who were martyred during the Chinese aggression, Khandu assured Tuki that steps woud be taken to include their names.
Also watch: