Village elders expressed sorrow and disappointment that not a single person from 32 Christianpara families in Pabna was recognized in the freedom fighter list, despite their role and sacrifice during the 1971 liberation war.
One of them, Hor Kumar Boidda, is especially remembered by the elders. They say he contributed exceptionally in organizing and managing a freedom fighter camp in Failjana union of Chatmohar, Pabna. Hor Kumar was reportedly tortured and killed by Rajakars because of his contribution during the war.
Supported by locals, freedom fighters maintained a camp in the village church in August, September and October of 1971 and battled against the Pakistani occupation army, said Chatmohar upazila Muktijoddha Sangsad Commander Md Mozahar Hossain.
However, Mozahar said he had no information regarding the arson and plunder of the village, nor did he know of any torture or killing of anyone by Rajakars in Christianpara at that time.
Elderly village residents said they witnessed such barbarities carried out by Rajakars, and a few of them mentioned the brutal murder of the unsung hero Hor Kumar Boidda.
Christianpara was reportedly burnt to the ground sometime in November when Hor Kumar was abducted. He was reportedly killed on the night of November 7 of 1971 in Gorri near Christianpara.
Shumati Boidda, daughter of Hor Kumar said: "Rajakar Poygom Hossain Panchu and his henchmen took my father from our home. They tortured my father and killed him, shooting him in the legs, chest, and then finally, in the head."
Locals said 32 Christianpara families helped and supported freedom fighters by conveying messages, cooking for them, showing them the way, and various other means. Among them, Hor Kumar looked after the freedom fighter camp in the church under the command of then Commander Wasef Uddin. Hor Kumar organized and motivated youths to participate in the war and sent a number of them to India for guerrilla training.
75 year old Amzad Hossain alias Ansar, 85 year old Palu Pandey, and 71 year old Adhir Boidda, said Hor Kumar's efforts supported the freedom fighters during the war greatly and his sacrifice ought to be acknowledged.
Chatmohar Upazila Parishad Chairman Alhaj Abdul Hamid said: "Many people died during the war of independence in Christianpara. The families in the area supported freedom fighters and had to pay the price with incalculable sacrifices. They should be formally honoured with the status of martyrdom and their names should be included as supporting freedom fighters in the list."
Locals also said women of the 32 families were abducted to Pakistani army camps and raped.
A number of elderly women were in tears talking to this correspondent of their experiences of the war. They said Poygom Hossain Panchu would show the Pakistan army their way around Christianpara, while the women were raped one by one.
However, Poygom denied that he was ever a Rajakar and said: "Some people falsely accuse me to tarnish my image in society. I am a freedom fighter. I have been receiving government allowances as well."
Atghoria upazila Muktijoddha Sangshad Commander Md Johurul Hoque said: "Poygom was a friend of the notorious robber Akbar Ali in Failjana. Akbar worked against the liberation of the country and plundered the area partnering with Poygom. When Akbar was killed by the freedom fighters, Poygom managed to escape. Poygom later surrendered and handed over five Rajakars to the freedom fighters. After that Poygom actively participated in the liberation war."
105 year old Bhadra Mondal, was a fisherman during the war. He said: "I have heard that Poygom was given the status of a freedom fighter, but he was among one of the infamous Rajakars of that time. He took many girls and women to the Pakistani camps and was the chairman of the then Shanti Committee."
Locals said Darikanath Boiragi, Premananda Boidda, Bimol Das, and Rabindranath Pandey are some of the many people of the 32 families, most of whom have passed away and had contributed to the liberation war.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sarkar Md Raihan said: "I am new, so I don't have any information regarding the matter yet."
