Rangpur cantt siege day today

The monument at Nishbetganj near Rangpur Cantonment, built in memory of martyrs who sacrificed their lives during siege of the cantonment in 1970. PHOTO: STAR

Several thousand indigenous people, mainly Santals, are

expected to attend the day-long programmes including rallies, processions and Santal cultural functions, being organised by Uttor Bangla Adibasi Lahanti Network (network of NGOs of indigenous people) in Rangpur town.

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Bhagobot Tudu, president of Adibasi Lahanti Network, will preside over the rally to be held at the foot of Rokto Gourab, a memorial built for the martyrs at Nishbetganj beside Rangpur cantonment.

Besides Santals, different social organisations and political parties including Awami League and Rangpur unit of the Freedom Fighters Association will also hold programmes on the day at Nishbetganj.

On March 28 in 1970, thousands of people from Mithapukur, Boldipukur, Baderganj, Ranipukur, Manzais, Tampat, Palichara, Ramzibon, Bonga, Lalbag, Goneshpur, Domdoma, Damuderpur and Pathanpara in Rangpur including Santals carrying sticks, bows and arrows laid a siege to Rangpur cantonment.

The Pakistani occupation army opened fire from inside the cantonment, killing an unspecified number of freedom-loving people.

The day is observed in Rangpur every year since 1971 to pay homage to the martyrs.