Freedom fighters Matmur Jamoh, Moje Riba honoured

NAHARLAGUN, Sep 18: Commemorating the 75th year of India’s Independence - ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’, the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Ministry of Culture, Govt of India has honoured the freedom fighters of the state Matmur Jamoh and Moje Riba, who made supreme sacrifices in the freedom struggle of the country.

As recognition of their supreme sacrifices, the Dimapur-based NEZCC in collaboration with Directorate of Art & Culture, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh honoured the ‘revolutionary freedom fighters’ by presenting mementos and certificates to their kith and kin in a function at the MPCC building here today.

Late Matmur Jamoh, a native of Yagrung village, East Siang district with his team of seven members had murdered the then British Assistant Political Officer of Sadiya, Noel Williamson, and medical officer Dr Gregorson on March 31, 1911 along with their entire entourage of sepoys and coolies at Komsing and Pangi villages respectively.

This incident led to the famous Anglo-Abor war of 1911. Eventually, he along with Lomlo Darang and Bapok Jerang were sent to Kala Pani (Cellular Jail) in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and never returned even after the country achieved Independence. Late Jamoh had fought against the slavery policy of the Britishers.

And it was late Moje Riba, who had first hoisted the national flag in the state on August 15, 1947 at Dipa village in erstwhile West Siang district (now, Lower Siang). Born in 1890 (approx) to late Gomo Riba in Dari village, Moje Riba joined the Indian National Congress  in the 1920s and participated in the freedom movement for which he was jailed in the 1930s, possibly in Sadiya or Pasighat. In late 1930s, he was appointed as the president of INC for Arunachal Pradesh (then North Eastern Frontier Tract). He was the recipient of “Tamra Patra" from Govt of India. He expired on January 22, 1980.

State Cultural Affairs Minister Taba Tedir, who graced the occasion as chief guest, said, “We are very much inspired by these two freedom fighters” and added, “In do mahan freedom fighters se prerna milti hein ki hum bhi apne desh ke liye kuch karein (from these two great freedom fighters we get inspiration that we should also do something for our country)”.

He also said that there were so many unsung heroes of the freedom struggle in Arunachal and that their names needed to be brought to light, which would be done under various programmes of ‘Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav’. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Culture for giving recognition to the freedom fighters of the state.

Earlier, beautiful folk dances of Adi and Galo tribes were showcased along with Adi and Galo patriotic songs dedicated to both the freedom fighters.

Others present in the function were Secretary (Cultural Affairs) Remo Kamki, Deputy Secretary (Art & Culture) Mabi Taipodia Jini, IPR Director Dasher Teshi, Art & Culture Director Tamune Messar and other officers of the department. (DIPR)