Unsung heroes of Arunachal

On 13 February 2023, Honourable Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu chaired the fourth cabinet meeting, where the cabinet unanimously approved the "Report On The Unsung Heroes Of Arunachal Pradesh Who Fought Against The British."

In 2021, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh announced an exercise to document the contributions of the state’s tribal heroes who fought valiantly against British rule. A committee was formed headed by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and composed of historians, researchers and experts from the state’s premier Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU). The report on Arunachal Pradesh's unsung heroes was prepared by the History department of Rajiv Gandhi University and the research team on Unsung Heroes. It was submitted to the core committee headed by DCM Mein in January 2023 in the presence of Advisor to Chief Minister Tai Tagak, RGU Vice Chancellor Prof Saket Kushwaha, Member Secretary of the committee Dani Salu, Finance Secretary Y W Ringu and RGU Registrar Dr N T Rikam among others. The report identified 15 "unsung heroes," 100 freedom fighters, and 64 martyrs from various tribal communities in the state. The committee travelled to various parts of the country as well as London to fish out and study documents, diaries of travellers and officials, and other records to reconstruct a true history of the gallant fight against British invaders by the state's tribal communities.

The research team focused on three main wars waged by Arunachal Pradesh tribes against the British: the Anglo-Tai Khamti War of 1839, the Anglo-Abor War (1858 - 1912); and the Anglo-Wancho War of 1875. These wars resulted in heavy casualties for the British and the lives of many tribes who fought heroically using traditional weapons. After being reviewed by the state government and the NCERT, the report will then be included in the history lessons taught in schools and colleges. This will raise awareness about the glory days of our state's past and help us remember the unsung heroes who bravely fought against British oppression to defend the nation.

Calling everyone to share your thoughts on the "Report On The Unsung Heroes Of Arunachal Pradesh Who Fought Against The British", in an effort to reconnect with our past and remember the names.