Andaman to delve freedom heroes' names of first Kalapani batch

Port Blair, Oct 14 (UNI) Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Bhopinder Singh has asserted that the administration would excavate all the names of freedom fighters who were sent to these islands for 'Kalapani' punishment on March 10, 1858, as the first batch.

''The arrival of the first batch of freedom heroes actually marked the beginning of the history of these far-flung beautiful islands. They were pioneers of Andaman's history and also India's revolt against East India Company in 1858 and I would try my best to find out all the names of those brave freedom fighters,'' Mr Singh said while inaugurating a memorial in commemoration of the 150 years of arrival of the first batch of freedom fighters at the historic Chatham Island here yesterday.

''The names of those freedom heroes must be inscribed in gold in Andaman's history so that our children can get inspiration from them,'' the Lt Governor added.

According to historians, not much is known about those 200-odd freedom fighters, who were sent to these islands in 1858, as records were never maintained while some were destroyed by Japanese occupation in Andaman and Nicobar Islands during 1942-1945.

''The arrival of these freedom fighters marked the beginning of the present settlement in these islands, which is a peaceful mixed culture, known as Mini India and we are proud of it,'' he added.

The inauguration of the memorial was also attended by lone Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Manoranjan Bhakta and Chief Secretary of the islands Vivek Rae.

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