RGU research team visits historical places in Siang dist

BOLENG, 12 May: The research team from Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), which is conducting research on the ‘unsung heroes of Arunachal Pradesh who fought against British invasion’, visited various historical places in Siang district on 10 and 11 May.

The team, headed by Prof Ashan Riddi and Dr David Gao, interacted with the villagers of Rottung, Kallek, Babuk, Kebang, Pangi, Sissen, Komsing, Riew and Jorsing to ascertain the local version of the wars.

On Wednesday, the team visited Komsing village, where British APO Noel Williamson was assassinated by Adis led by Matmur Jamoh, Lunrung Tamuk, Lotiyang Taloh, Bisong Tabing, Namu Nonang, and others.

A locally-made museum has been constructed at the incident site by the villagers at the initiative of Prof Uttaran Dutta, associate professor of the faculty of TEMPE at the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication of Arizona State University. The museum is popularly known as Misum-Miyang Kumsung.

Earlier, on Tuesday, the team visited Kekar Monying – a stiff rock cliff between Sireng and Sideng rivers near Babuk village, where the last battle between the British and the Abors (Adi) took place on 4 December, 1911 during the Abor Expedition of 1911-12.

The other important historical places that the team visited are Okok Dumbang (Rengging), Lelek Dumbang, Egar Yapgo, Naga Lotta, Rottung village, Hitum Pigo (ghat), Sereng Mukh (camp), Linyo Yi or Gooying Liidung, and Guak Camp, where Dr Gregorson was assassinated by Lomlo Darang and Bapok Jerang.

The team members also interacted with the village elders and descendants of those who laid their lives during the Anglo-Abor wars.

The research team was accompanied by Adi Freedom Fighter Recommendation Committee chairman Taduram Darang, Rebo-Perging CO Pinky Debnath, East Siang ABK president Dijhi Tamuk, Nugong Banggo Kebang general secretary Onyong Taloh, NWS secretary-general Daniel Gao, Siang DACO (in-charge) Ibrahim Pazing, and others.