OUR CORRESPONDENT
ITANAGAR: A war memorial commemorating seven brave warriors from Gobuk village, in Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, who fought against British forces in the third Anglo-Abor War (1893–94) was inaugurated on Saturday at Harkam view point.
The memorial, named ‘Migang Miipang Mikmo’, was unveiled by Lok Sabha MP from the state Tapir Gao, in the presence of advisor to the chief minister Alo Libang, MLA Oni Panyang, and a host of dignitaries.
The event marked a historic moment for the district, with the memorial standing as a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of local freedom fighters.
Gao lauded the Adi Baane Kebang (ABK) for its initiative in tracing and honouring unsung heroes, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of preserving India’s hidden legacies.
He urged the Mipang Miipang Mikmo committee to document the stories of the heroes through audiovisuals and written records for future generations. He also called on the community to promote peace, environmental conservation, and enrollment in government healthcare schemes such as PMJAY and CMAAY.
Addressing concerns about youth welfare, Gao emphasised vigilance in children’s education to prevent social issues like drug abuse.
Libang in his address, hailed the memorial’s inauguration as a milestone for Gobuk and assured continued efforts to bring due recognition to the region’s freedom fighters. Panyang echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of preserving their legacies.
Upper Siang deputy commissioner Talo Jerang in his address g called for the annual celebration of the memorial and envisioned its development into a cultural tourism site. The Migang Miipang Mikmo memorial honours seven warriors from Gobuk including, Matkam Tekseng, Jantang Kombo, Pikor Siboh, Gongkar Miyu, Kirpon Kirkom, Tongyang Miyu, and Kakir Libang who, according to oral tradition, fought alongside their Adi brethren during the British advance at Bongal Yapgo, Dambuk, in present-day Lower Dibang Valley.
In recognition of their courage, local communities gifted tokens of gratitude, the ‘Sisuk Rebung’ (horn), ‘Ngiding’ (spear), and ‘Benjak Rebung’ (buffalo horn), still preserved by the descendants of the warriors.
The memorial now serves not only as a symbol of local pride but also as a vital link to the region’s heritage and contribution to India’s freedom struggle.
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