Itanagar, June 9 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Friday joined the Adivasi community of the state to pay his obeisance to the legendary freedom fighter, social reformer and revered tribal leader ‘Dharti Aaba’ Bhagwan Veer Birsa Munda on his 123rd death anniversary which was commemorated as ‘Saheed Diwas’.
Mein, along with Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao and others, paid floral tribute to the legendary leader, who fought for the rights of the Adivasi community, at the event organised by the All Adivasi Community of Arunachal Pradesh (AACAP) Namsai District Committee at Kumari village under Lekang circle of the district.
‘Bhagwan’ Birsa Munda spearheaded the tribal religious millenarian movement during India’s fight for independence.
The legendary figure achieved martyrdom at the age of 25 years on June 9, 1900 and every year on this day, his death anniversary is commemorated across the nation as ‘Shaheed Diwas’.
Addressing the programme, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasised on the courage and sacrifice made by the great Birsa Munda inspiring millions of Indians to this day. Mein acknowledged that he is a symbol of tribal unification and his bravery & sacrifice is an inspiration for all of us.
His fight for the rights of tribal people and their freedom made a significant contribution towards the freedom struggle and brought nationwide recognition of the participation of tribal people in the freedom movement.
Acknowledging the magnitude of the contributions made by the valiant freedom fighter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared his birth anniversary which falls on 15th November to be commemorated as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’.
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 till 1912 in four major incidents and the Anglo-Wancho War or the Ninu Massacre of 1875.
Mein also mentioned that the research scholars have identified 220 unsung heroes, martyrs and freedom fighters in Arunachal Pradesh so far.
The occasion was also graced by Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Lekang MLA Jummum Ete Deori, Namsai district BJP president Chow Sujana Namchoom, and ZPC Nang Urmila Mancheykhun, among others.
UNI TD ARN