'History has neglected Gorkha freedom fighters'

From a Correspondent

Donkamokam, August 25: The 71st death anniversary of Shahid Durga Malla was observed on Tuesday by the Gorkha community of Karbi Anglong. A programme was held at Bhanu tya Mandir, Mugasong in west Karbi Anglong titled Balidan Divas in memory of the great freedom fighter.

Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) CEM Tuliram Ronghang, who was the chief guest, said, "The contribution of the Gorkha community during the freedom movement cannot be ignored. They have contributed a lot like other freedom fighters. Shahid Malla was a valiant, honest and well disciplined freedom fighter."

The CEM, however, lamented the fact that history had neglected the freedom fighters from the Gorkha community as well as other communities of the north-eastern region. He urged writers to write about the tribal leaders of the Northeast. Ronghang said that Shahid Durga Malla's death anniversary would be declared a restricted holiday in the KAAC calendar and also assured that the freedom fighter's statue would be constructed at Mugasong.

MLA Dr Mansing Rongpi in his speech lauded the Gorkhas for living in harmony with other tribes of the Northeast. Litterateur Hari Gajurel asked the writers of all communities to highlight the mes of those who had taken part in the freedom struggle.

Presided over by Hari Prasad Subedi, the meeting was also attended by MAC Chandra Tamang , president of Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha, Ramakant Poudel, litterateur  Ra Kafle, chairman Vet Board, Ditolal Hasnu, president AGS, KA District Ron Bahadur Chetri, teachers and others.

Shahid Malla belonged to the Azad Hind Fauj and he was captured by British soldiers from Ukhrul, Manipur. He was executed on August 25, 1944.