Arunachal minister honors unsung heroes of 1875 Anglo-Wancho War

Itanagar, Feb 4 (PTI) – Arunachal Pradesh Minister Gabriel D Wangsu has emphasized the need to preserve and honor the legacy of the state’s unsung heroes, whose courage and sacrifice have shaped the identity of its people.

Speaking at the 150th anniversary of the 1875 Anglo-Wancho War in Ninu village, Longding district, Wangsu paid tribute to the warriors who fought valiantly to protect their land from British forces. The commemorative event, named ‘Gantang,’ was dedicated to these brave fighters who resisted colonial rule, according to an official statement.

"We must reflect on the hardships and sacrifices of our ancestors. Their resistance ensured that the British could not subjugate us. Today, their bravery defines our identity," said Wangsu, who serves as the Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and Veterinary Services.

Wangsu revealed that during his research, he uncovered a rare photograph of Wancho warriors captured during the war, a discovery that sheds light on a crucial part of Arunachal Pradesh’s history. He credited Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein for their efforts in recognizing the contributions of the Wancho warriors.

"Our government is committed to acknowledging the sacrifices of our indigenous warriors. The work of the state core committee on unsung heroes, led by the deputy chief minister, is commendable in bringing to light the stories of our ancestors," he said.

The event also recognized the contributions of researcher Nepha Wangsa, whose extensive studies on the Anglo-Wancho War have provided valuable insights. Wangsa, the author of The Nginu Massacre, described the rediscovery of this history as a significant achievement for the Wancho community.

Longding-Pumao MLA Thangwang Wangham, while paying homage to the war heroes, urged the younger generation to strive for economic freedom, literacy, and poverty eradication. "Our ancestors fought for our land, freedom, and culture against foreign rule. Today, it is time for our youth to fight for a brighter future for our community," he said.

The Chief of Ninu, Longwang Wangham, also spoke about the historical importance of the 1875 Anglo-Wancho War.

To mark the occasion, the state unit of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) organized a 3-km Tiranga Yatra, which witnessed participation from thousands of villagers from Longchan Circle and beyond.

The event served as a powerful reminder of the community’s resilience and the need to keep their rich history alive for future generations.
 
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