Itanagar, Aug 14: Partition Horrors Remembrance Day (Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas) was observed across Arunachal Pradesh on Friday with solemnity, recalling the immense human suffering, displacement and loss of lives during the Partition of India in 1947.
Commemorative programmes were held in several districts, including Naharlagun, Pasighat, Yingkiong, Khonsa and Daporijo, with Govt officials, students and members of the public paying tribute to the victims and reflecting on the painful lessons of Partition.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, in a message, said the day was an opportunity to remember the millions who endured “unimaginable suffering, displacement and loss” during the Partition of 1947.
He paid tribute to those who lost their lives and honoured the courage of people who rebuilt their lives from nothing. Khandu said the painful lessons of history must never be forgotten and urged that such tragedies should never be repeated.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also paid homage to the countless people who lost their lives and families that were torn apart during Partition. He described the event as one of the most painful chapters in the country’s history.
“As we remember their stories, let us reaffirm our commitment to peace, unity, and compassion. The legacy of those who lived through Partition must continue to guide us toward a more humane and harmonious future,” Mein said.
At Naharlagun, the Department of Art & Culture, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, organised a state-level commemoration at the Directorate of Art and Culture auditorium.
The programme began with the singing of “Vande Mataram” and the National Anthem, followed by a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives, homes and loved ones during Partition.
Addressing the gathering, Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) Chairperson Ratan Anya spoke about the human cost of the 1947 tragedy and stressed that the suffering of millions should never be forgotten.
She said that while August 15 is celebrated with joy as Independence Day, the mass displacement and loss of life associated with Partition must also be remembered. She described Partition as more than a chapter in history textbooks, highlighting the suffering of ordinary families who were uprooted overnight and forced to seek refuge.
Anya shared a personal recollection from her university days in Delhi, where she interacted with an elderly Partition survivor who had witnessed the killing of her husband and the loss of her parents before escaping to India. She urged students and young people to learn from such experiences, cultivate kindness and remain vigilant against divisive forces.
Director of Information and Public Relations Gijum Tali reflected on the historical circumstances that led to Partition and highlighted India’s strength in “Unity in Diversity”, citing Arunachal Pradesh as an example of diverse communities living together peacefully.
Secretary, Art & Culture, Mamata Riba highlighted the national significance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, which was first designated in 2021, and said remembering painful chapters of history was essential to preserving national unity and social cohesion.
A documentary on Partition Horrors Remembrance Day was screened during the programme, followed by a walkthrough of a special Partition exhibition.
At Pasighat, the East Siang district administration observed the day at the DC’s Conference Hall. SDO Kamin Darang said history was not merely a record of dates and events but also a reminder of human resilience and the consequences of division.
He stressed the importance of living together in peace and harmony by rising above differences of religion, ideology and politics.
The programme included a rendition of “Vande Mataram”, screening of a short film on Partition, followed by two minutes of silence and candle-light remembrance.
At Yingkiong, the Upper Siang district administration organised a commemorative programme at the DC Office. Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang inaugurated an exhibition titled “Partition of India – Memory, Loss and Resilience: 14 August 1947”.
Jerang said remembering the sacrifices and sufferings of millions should also remind people of their courage and resilience in rebuilding their lives. He urged citizens, particularly the younger generation, to learn from history and uphold unity, peace, harmony and national integration.
At Khonsa, the Tirap district administration observed the day at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik and ADC Namneet Singh spoke about the tragic consequences of Partition and called for peaceful coexistence, communal harmony, unity and brotherhood.
A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the victims, followed by a screening of a short video on Partition. A photo exhibition depicting the experiences and human cost of the tragedy was also displayed.
At Daporijo in Upper Subansiri district, students of Daporijo Degree College participated in the observance, reflecting on the tragic events of 1947 and the importance of national integration, peace, communal harmony and mutual understanding.
Across the state, the observances served as a reminder of the immense human cost of Partition while reinforcing the message that remembrance should strengthen, rather than divide, society.
At Likabali, Lower Siang district joined the nation in observing Partition Horrors Remembrance Day and commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram. An exhibition highlighting the horrors and pains of the Partition was organized by the Department of Education in collaboration with the District Administration at the auditorium of GHSS, Likabali.
A major highlight of the event was a drama presented by the students of GHSS Likabali, depicting the effects of Partition. It also featured screening of short films highlighting various aspects of the Partition, further providing the audience with an opportunity to reflect on the suffering, displacement and lasting consequences associated with the historic event.
At Namsai, the District Administration observed the Day by paying homage to those who suffered during the Partition.
As part of the observance, a silent candlelight march was held from Namsai 2nd Mile to KFC Parking Space. The rally was led by Deputy Chief Minister Dr Chowna Mein.
Later, an exhibition depicting the tragic events and human suffering associated with the horrors was inaugurated by the Dy CM. The gathering observed two minutes of silence, and short videos depicting the history and human impact of Partition was also screened.
In his address, Mein highlighted the significance of the Partition and the need to remember the painful chapter of India’s history. He stressed the importance of preserving national unity, peace, harmony and brotherhood and urged the younger generation to learn from history and work towards strengthening the unity and integrity of the nation.