BURAGAON, SEPT 13: On Wednesday, a team led by Thriziono-Buragaon MLA Kumsi Sidisow visited and inspected the site designated for the construction of a war memorial in Tribute to Tagi Raja and Medhi Raja. This significant memorial will be erected at Gohainthan or Nyetrida Village in West Kameng District, under the Buragaon Administrative circle, situated 56 km away from the Bomdila District headquarters in West Kameng.
Sidisow was accompanied by elected PRI leaders, former PRI leaders, leaders of ASK, Vice President Labi Dususow, General Secretary Dibru Dususow, student leaders, youth leaders, social and political leaders, and senior citizens. They explored various places in and around the village, examining sites of historical importance.
Later, at a public meeting, Sidisow expressed the importance of honoring unsung heroes who made significant contributions to society. He highlighted the need for a beautiful war memorial to commemorate Tagi Raja and others who bravely fought against the British regime and British forces during the 18th century. He acknowledged that, for various reasons, these martyrs were not given the recognition and respect they deserved. However, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the government has directed all states and union territories to identify and honor war heroes and unsung heroes.
In their state, the initiative to give due recognition has already begun, with a high-level team led by Deputy Chief Minister Chowan Mein coordinating efforts. District administrations and leaders are actively participating in providing a platform for this purpose, as stated by MLA Sidisow.
To honor Tagi Raja and others, a committee has been constituted in the district, chaired by Buragaon EAC, including members of the Aka community, elected PRI leaders, and students and youth leaders. Their role is to oversee the requirements and necessary steps for the prompt execution of this vital project.
The state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, has approved the “War Memorial in Tribute to Tagi Raja and Medhi Raja at Gohainthan or Nyetrida Village, West Kameng District.” An allocation of Rs. 60 lakhs has been approved, and the tender works are likely completed. The fund will be utilized by the WRD department.
The primary objective behind constructing the War Memorial is to commemorate the valiant fighters of the British Era, Tagi Raja and Medhi Raja of the Aka Tribe, who fearlessly battled the British to protect their homeland on numerous occasions. Tagi Raja, recognized as a chief by Ahom Rulers, collected taxes from the plains of Charduar, Assam. He led a Resistance Movement against the British in the Charduar area, raided British territory, and even after imprisonment for three years, continued his resistance upon release.
Tagi Raja’s burial site is located at Gohainthan, and his eldest son, Medhi Raja, followed in his father’s footsteps, persistently fighting against the British establishment until his death.
MLA Kumsi Sidisow also revealed plans to develop the area into a tourist destination. He announced an allocation of Rs. 1 crore for the development of the approach road to the site and aims to blacktop existing roads.
He appealed to the people not to engage in controversies over land and encouraged local people to donate the land free of cost. The constituted committee will oversee and verify these arrangements, added MLA Kumsi Sidisow.
