The Assam government’s decision to place statues commemorating freedom fighters from other Northeastern states in a newly opened park in Guwahati has drawn praise from the chief ministers of neighbouring states. The chief ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Manipur have thanked their Assam colleagues for their move on Twitter.
On Tuesday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated Amrit Udyan Park and unveiled monuments of eight tribal stalwarts from the region. Among the eight leaders is Moje Riba, an Arunachal Pradesh freedom fighter who was arrested by the British for defying colonial control.
“My special thanks to Hon CM of Assam Shri @himantabiswa Ji for unveiling the statue of Arunachal Pradesh freedom fighter Moje Riba at #AmritUdyan, Guwahati, today.” Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu tweeted. Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga expressed gratitude to Sarma for honouring Rani Ropuiliani, who had spoken up against British tax diktats.
She was imprisoned for two years before dying.
“Thank you so much Shri @himantabiswa Ji for honouring one of our most beloved heroes! This noble gesture is a true representation of solidarity among the North Eastern states!,” remarked Mizoram’s chief minister on the microblogging site.
The park also features a statue of famed Manipuri commander Bir Tikendrajit Singh, who rebelled against the British and was eventually hanged.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh praised the move, writing, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble CM of Assam, Shri @himantabiswa Ji for unveiling the statue of Jubraj Bir Tikendrajit in Guwahati. This is indeed a true honour for our great freedom fighter who has fought gallantly against the British empire.”
The statues of Rani Gaidinliu, a Naga leader who was imprisoned for her resistance to the British and was only released after the country’s independence, Bidrohi Ratanmani Reang of Tripura, who led the Reang revolt against the British and was later killed in captivity by British troops in Agartala, and Helen Lepcha alias Sabitri Devi of Sikkim have also been installed.
At the park, statues of Khasi chief U Tirot Sing Syiem, who was exiled to Dhaka for fighting the British and died there, and Dimasa leader Sambhudhan Phanglo of Assam, who gave his life for the homeland, were also revealed.