There are more than 54 indigenous groups all across Bangladesh on both plains and hilly lands, according to the latest census. They have lived on these lands for generations, and just like Bangalis, they have had to rise against oppression and injustice to protect and secure their existence.
But their history of rebellion does not begin with the Liberation War in 1971—they have a long tradition of fighting for what is theirs.
The most notable one was the biggest movement in the Indian subcontinent, the Tebhaga Movement in 1946, when the people of Rajbangshi and Santals struck a blow at the foundations of the zamindars or landowners. The Garo Rebellion (1807-1820), Chakma Movement (1780-1800), Khasi Rebellion (1783), Santal Rebellion (1855-57), Munda Rebellion (1857) and Nachol Rebellion all demonstrated their spirit, conviction and strength to fight against oppressors. And the Pakistani military was just that, an oppressor force.
Every year Bangladesh commemorates the contributions of freedom fighters. But those from non-Bengali backgrounds, who fought side by side with other freedom fighters, have always been overlooked.
Chittagong Hill Tracts
The only freedom fighter from the indigenous communities to have been given the Bir Bikram gallantry award was UK Ching Marma. He hailed from the Marma group of Khagrachhari and was stationed at the Hatibandha border outpost in Lalmonirhat under the Rangpur Wing of the East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) during the Liberation War.
When the war began, he fought in Sahebganj Sub-Sector under Sector 6.
But it was not just him alone. A significant number of Marma people in the EPR fought in the war from different corners of the country.
Mong King Mong Pru Sein of Manikchari upazila of Khagrachhari was another fearless freedom fighter who had not only participated in the war but had also provided safe passage for refugees to take shelter in India, and had supplied more than 30 firearms to freedom fighters. A little-known fact about him is that he also provided financial support to the Mujibnagar government.
A myth popular in contemporary discourse is that the Chakma people betrayed the Bangalis during the war as their king, Tridiv Roy, chose to side with Pakistan. But that does not speak for all Chakma people, especially those who fought valiantly in the war.
Tridiv Roy’s uncle Kokandashka Roy, popularly known as KK Roy, who was an Awami League candidate in the 1970 East Pakistan Provincial Assembly election, went to Agartala to join the war.
Manabendra Larma, one of the most revered leaders in the Chakma community, had shepherded students and youths in support of the Liberation War, in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Gautam Dewan, a student leader of Rangamati Government College, was one of the leaders of the Sarbadaliya Chhatra Sangram Parishad formed in March 1971 in Rangamati.
Besides, some 20-22 government officials from indigenous communities, including Bimalendu Dewan, Ananda Banshi Chakma and Kripasukh Chakma, crossed over to India and joined the war after receiving training.
Tripura people formed their own party to participate in the war under Sector 1 in the Chittagong Hill Tracts on May 5, 1971 with 25 members led by Hemda Ranjan Tripura. It was later recognized as a fully-fledged battalion.
Greater Rajshahi, Rangpur and Mymensingh
Stories of indigenous people participating in the war in the north and north-west are also many in number. The names of 62 indigenous freedom fighters are mentioned at Godagari police station of Rajshahi alone.
Moreover, in Dinajpur, a huge force comprising 1,000 men was formed with Orao and Santals. Besides, about 1,500 people from Garo, Hajong and Konch communities took part in the war in the greater Mymensingh area.
Among the Garos are company commander Deepak Sangmo, Theophil Hajang, Parimal Drong, Orphan Knockre, sector commander Bhadra Marak, platoon commander Jatindra Sangmo, commander Arvind Sangma and female freedom fighter Veronica Simsang.
On March 28, 1971, indigenous people from Mithapukur, Ranipukur, Shampukur, Taraganj and other areas of Rangpur gathered to confront the invading forces. They were armed with sticks, axes, spears and indigenous weapons, most of which belonged to Santals.
The invaders opened fire on them, killing about 200 Santals. To commemorate their sacrifices, a memorial named “Rakta Gaurab”, which roughly translates to blood honour, was built there in 2000.
Northeast
More than 600 indigenous people were killed and about 150 were injured and tortured in Moulvibazar, Sylhet, Sunamganj and Habiganj during the war.
The Manipuri people of this region are particularly of note. Prominent personalities like Nilmoni Chatterjee, Nandeshwar Singh and Vijay Singh encouraged refugees to unite and fight. Nilmoni Chatterjee also formed a fearless group of 1,200 freedom fighters.
Indigenous freedom fighter Kakon Bibi also participated in war from this region carrying out multifold duties. She had been tortured and raped by the Pakistani military for months, but joined the war overcoming that traumatic experience, from Banshtala Sub-Sector under Sector 5.
Kakon Bibi is the pride of the Khasias. She simultaneously played the role of a guerrilla and spy for the freedom fighters. She even helped freedom fighters get food, medicine, ammunition and grenades, showing great courage.
In 1996, she was honoured with the Bir Pratik gallantry award for her bravery during the 1971 war.