OUR CORRESPONDENT
ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein Friday highlighted the courage and sacrifice made by tribal leader Birsa Munda, which had inspired millions of Indians, and termed him a ‘symbol’ of tribal unification. Attending the 123rd death anniversary of Munda, which is being commemorated as ‘Sahdeed Diwas’, at Kumari village under Lekang Circle in Namsai district of the state, Mein said that his (Munda’s) fight for the rights of tribal people and their freedom made a significant contribution towards the freedom struggle and brought nation-wide recognition to the participation of tribal people in the freedom movement. The event was organised by the Namsai district committee of the All Adivasi Community of Arunachal Pradesh (AACAP). “Acknowledging the magnitude of the contributions made by the valiant freedom fighter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared his birth anniversary, which falls on November 15, to be commemorated as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’,” the deputy chief minister said.
Mein, along with others present on the occasion, offered floral homage to the legendary leader who fought for the rights of the Adivasi community. While speaking about the Munda revolt for the rights of the tribal community, Mein also reflected upon the tribal wars fought by the people of Arunachal Pradesh, mainly the Anglo-Khamti War or the Khamti rebellion of 1839, the Anglo-Abor War stretching from 1858 up until 1912 in four major incidents, and the Anglo-Wancho War or the Ninu Massacre of 1875.
Mein added that the research scholars of the state have identified 220 unsung heroes, martyrs, and freedom fighters in Arunachal Pradesh so far. Birsa Munda was an Indian tribal freedom fighter of the Munda tribe who spearheaded the tribal religious millenarian movement during India’s fight for independence. The legendary figure achieved martyrdom at the age of 25 on June 9, 1900, and every year on this day, his death anniversary is commemorated across the nation as ‘Shaheed Diwas’. The occasion was also graced by Arunachal East Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao and other MLAs and leaders of the district.
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