Port Blair, Jan 30: A solemn function was held at the Balidan Vedi- the State Martyrs’ Memorial at Homfraygunj on the occasion of 73rd martyrdom anniversary of 44 Martyrs of Indian Independence League (Andaman Branch), who were shot dead and buried by the Japanese forces on January 30th, 1944 for charges of espionage.
The Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi who was the chief guest of the function, placed a wreath and offered floral tributes at the Memorial, followed by floral tributes by Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Anindo Majumdar, DGP, Shri Rajesh Malik, senior officers of Administration, grand children & family members of the Martyrs, prominent senior citizens from the city & Humfraygunj area and public representatives.
This was followed by the National Anthem and observance of two minutes silence by the gatherings as a mark of respect to Mahatma Gandhi and the departed souls, who laid their lives for the freedom of our motherland.
The chief guest also gave away the Martyrs Memorial Awards to the students of Govt. Middle School, Homfreygunj in honour of Martyrs: Pokhar Singh Chawla, Prem Shanker Pandey, Raj Ratan Das and Malkhan Singh, to the Head Mistress of Govt. Middle School, Humfreygunj, who received it on behalf of the students. These awards were sponsored by the families of the Martyrs.
Welcoming the chief guest and others present on the occasion, the Member, Humfreygunj Martyrs’ Memorial Committee, Port Blair, Shri V.R. Murthy briefed about the significance of the day, which also coincides with the death anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. An all religion mass prayer and Ramdhun presented by the students of Govt. Middle School, Humfreygunj formed part of the solemn function.
The Lt. Governor also visited the Humphreygunj Museum to see the work in progress.
