160 years of Rontilla rebellion celebrated

From Our Correspondent

Silchar, Dec 22: The rising of 1857 was indeed a major event in the anls of Indian history. It left a deep imprint on the future course of the history of India. But unfortutely, it seems Sepoy Mutiny of Cachar district is not known to the main stream Indian historians and the Government of Assam is also not taking any concrete steps to sustain the historical relics of it. One of the most important spots of Sepoy Mutiny of Cachar was Rontilla, around 10 kms from Hailakandi town. A large number of mutineers laid down their lives fighting against the British rulers on December 22, 1857.

 Since then, cultural events, meetings and discussions are being held at Rontilla. A number of socio cultural organizations, Club Rudrani and Club District Youth Development Forum, of Hailakandi organized a cultural event on that site on Friday. The function was graced by the presence of a number of Additiol Superintendent of Police, Jagadish Das, Amitabh Rai, on behalf of Kaushik Rai, BJP Assam Pradesh and other political persolities, cultural activists, poets, litterateurs and members of Hailakandi BJP. They all spoke on the importance of this place and its neighbouring areas. The revolt of Rontilla is not in the mainstream and thus younger generations do not even know about this place.

 A mass rally was also taken out which stared from Mohanpur Bazaar and converged at the site. A large number of school going students, commoners and eminent persolities participated in it. The function began with the paying of floral tributes at the miret which was followed by the rendition of some patriotic songs. “A similar function was also held here on December 16. We want that importance should be given to this place and declared as a government recognized historical site. We have also submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal through Kaushik Rai. Necessary steps should be taken to transform Rontilla and its neighbouring spots into historical tourist spots,” said Abhrangshu Shandlya Choudhury, secretary of Club Rudrani, Hailakandi.

 Abhrangshu Shandlya Choudhury said, “The tea gardens of Barak Valley are very in a very pathetic condition. Concrete steps should be taken to improve their conditions. We also want that a combo tourist package comprising Rontilla, Maligarh and Son Beel which is Asia’s second largest freshwater lake, should be made so that these places attracts more people. Chief Minister has forwarded the matter to the Chief Secretary for prompt action. Memorandum has been also submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Hailakandi, respective minister and the director of the tourism department. This programme is an attempt to present Rontilla at the world stage.”

 Other speakers that included litterateur and poet Ashutosh Das, Borpur Bagan mager Prashanta Kumar Ghosh, litterateur and poet Kallol Kishore Choduhury, social worker Rafiq Uddin Barbhuiya, teacher Sherafat Ali Laskar and advocate Pritish Das spoke at length about the historical eminence of this place. They said that steps should be taken to make the young generation aware about Rontilla and its unique history. Ashutosh Das has already made documentary films on Rontilla rebellion.

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