A solemn commemoration marking the 82nd Martyrdom Anniversary of the Homfreygunj martyrs was held on January 30 at Balidan Vedi, Homfreygunj Martyrs’ Memorial, honouring those who were executed and buried at the site by Japanese imperial forces during World War II.
The event paid tribute to the martyrs who were shot dead on January 30, 1944, during the Japanese occupation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The memorial at Homfreygunj stands as one of the most significant wartime remembrance sites in the islands, commemorating sacrifices made during the freedom struggle.
The Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman, Purva Garg, IAS, attended the programme as the chief guest and laid a wreath at the memorial. Floral tributes were also offered by members of the Homfreygunj Martyrs’ Memorial, descendants of the martyrs, and several prominent citizens from across the islands.
As part of the observance, Homfreygunj Martyrs’ Memorial awards were presented to students of the Government Secondary School, Homfreygunj, recognising their participation and engagement in commemorative and educational activities linked to the legacy of the martyrs.
A Sarva Dharma Prarthana, or all-faith prayer meeting, was conducted in memory of those who lost their lives, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the commemoration. Students of the Government Secondary School, Homfreygunj, also rendered ‘Ram Dhun’ during the ceremony, adding to the solemn atmosphere of remembrance.
The programme witnessed the presence of office bearers of the Homfreygunj Martyrs’ Memorial, including patron Gouri Shankar Pandey and general secretary Jeivaish Shankar Pandey, along with members of the memorial committee. Relatives of the martyrs and local residents attended the event, underscoring the continued public significance of the site and its history.
The Homfreygunj Martyrs’ Memorial commemorates one of the most tragic episodes of the Japanese occupation, when several freedom fighters and civilians were executed for resisting imperial rule. The annual observance on January 30 serves both as a tribute to their sacrifice and as a reminder of the islands’ role in India’s wider freedom struggle.
The ceremony concluded with prayers and tributes, reinforcing the importance of preserving historical memory and passing on the legacy of the martyrs to younger generations.
