Concerned at encroachment, NGO demands preservation of historical site
SILCHAR, August 18: Concerned at the systematic and gradual encroachment of the historical battleground of Latu in Karimganj district, the scene of the first war of independence in Northeast, also known as ‘Sepoy Mutiny’, NGO Patkai Trekkers has in a memorandum submitted to the Director of Archaeological Department of Assam, DP Kuli Gogoi, demanded its removal and protection as well as preservation. Besides, a delegation of Patkai Trekkers consisting of Syed Mujib Ahmed, Barak Valley coordinator, Mriganka Krishna Gogoi, State Coordinator, and District Coordinator, Arup Roy, met the Deputy Commissioner of Karimganj, Sanjeev Gohain, and apprised him of the development and called for his immediate intervention, considering the gravity of the situation.
Dr Janmajit Roy, president, Tarun Bikash, secretary, and others also met the Deputy Commissioner on the issue and impressed upon him for immediate steps to preserve the historical site.
It is apprehended by the NGO that the way encroachment is taking place might assume a serious dimension. It is a common phenomenon across the State that the land grabbers backed by influential circles have been active to encroach upon State land. Even the most sacred birthplace of Shankar Dev, Bordua in Nagaon district, has not been spared and the land grabbers continue to occupy the land in and around the holy place.
On the insistence of Patkai Trekkers, the Director of the State Archaeological Department visited the site of the Sepoy Mutiny at Latu and pointed out to the members of the NGO that the land in question is under dag No. 155 in North Karimganj and it belongs to the State. He assured that steps would be taken to recover the land encroached. He also said that the takeover of the historical site would be considered seriously for its maintenance and its management as a spot of tourist interest.
It is to be recollected that at Latu, 26 soldiers who along with 200 of their comrades mutinied in the famous Chittagong armed rebellion 155 years ago on December 18, 1857, laid down their lives, fighting against the British. Significantly, Major Bying who was the Commander of the British contingent was killed in the fierce encounter along with five other soldiers. The fierce battle took place at a hillock called Malegarh. Latu also became famous for the last battle of a contingent of the 34th Native infantry who had mutinied and reached here via Sylhet, after looting the armoury.
The former Deputy Commissioner of the district, Debeshwar Malakar, submitted a project report to the State government to develop Latu as a tourist centre and for raising a suitable memorial in honour of the brave heroes. He also spoke of preserving the swords and other things of the mutineers. He at the same time added he would explore the possibility of building a museum here. Some villagers possess some of the memorabilia associated with the battle of Latu which they often exhibit before the visitors.
Patkai Trekkers regretted that the proposal to build suitable memorial at Latu was submitted long ago to the State government but nothing was done in this regard. Quite significantly, women too took up arms and fought gallantly along with their male counterparts and suffered untold miseries. Many of them died in action and many of them were taken prisoners and executed. But, their resistance against the British force for long one month after the Latu episode, notwithstanding the death of their commanders and loss of them, lack of ration, extreme physical and mental exertions and rough terrain, has become a part of the glorious history of India’s freedom struggle. But, the question is, will the State government listen and act?
Source: The Sentinel 19.08.2013
