ITANAGAR, 14 Aug: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday remembered the millions who suffered during the Partition of India, paying tributes to those who lost their lives and honouring the courage of people who rebuilt their lives after being uprooted from their homes.

On Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, Khandu said the nation must never forget the immense suffering caused by Partition and must ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.

"We remember the millions who endured unimaginable suffering, displacement and loss during the Partition of 1947," Khandu said in a social media post.

"We pay tribute to those who lost their lives, honour the courage of those who rebuilt their lives from nothing, and remember the painful lessons of our history," the chief minister said.

Khandu stressed the importance of remembering the tragic events and drawing lessons from them for the future.

"May we never forget. May we never repeat," he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also remembered the victims of Partition and said the tragedy remains one of the most painful chapters in the country's history.

"Today, we bow our heads in solemn remembrance of the countless lives lost, families torn apart, and the deep scars left by the Partition of 1947, a tragedy that remains one of the most painful chapters in our history," Mein said in a social media post.

He said remembering the stories of those who lived through Partition should strengthen the country's commitment to peace, unity and compassion.

"As we remember their stories, let us reaffirm our commitment to peace, unity, and compassion," Mein said.

The deputy chief minister added that the legacy of the people who endured Partition should continue to guide society towards a more humane and harmonious future.

On Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, observed on 14 August, sufferings caused by the Partition of India in 1947 are remembered as millions of people were displaced and families were separated amid widespread violence.

The day seeks to preserve the memories of those who suffered, and to remind future generations of the importance of peace, unity, and communal harmony.

Meanwhile, the Upper Siang district administration observed the Partition Horrors Remembrance Day with patriotic fervour and solemnity in Yingkiong on Friday, joining the rest of the nation in paying homage to those who lost their lives and suffered immense hardship, displacement and trauma during the Partition of India in 1947.

Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang inaugurated an exhibition titled 'Partition of India - Memory, Loss and Resilience: 14 August, 1947', installed at the lobby of the DC office. The exhibition, depicting the painful events and human suffering associated with Partition, was inaugurated in the presence of administrative officers, heads of departments, government officials, and staff.

The exhibition was followed by a commemorative programme at the DC office conference hall. As part of the observance, short videos depicting the history and events surrounding the Partition of India were screened to provide glimpses into one of the most painful chapters in the country's history.

The gathering also observed two minutes' silence as a mark of respect for the countless people who lost their lives and endured displacement and suffering during the Partition.

Addressing the gathering, DC Jerang highlighted the significance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, and reflected upon the historical circumstances and consequences of the Partition. He said that the observance provides an opportunity to remember the sacrifices and sufferings of millions of people while also recognising their courage, resilience and strength in rebuilding their lives.

He emphasised that remembering the painful chapters of history should inspire every citizen to uphold the values of unity, peace, harmony and national integration, and to work collectively towards building a stronger and more inclusive nation.

He also urged everyone, particularly the younger generation, to learn from history and cherish the unity, peace and integrity of the nation.

Earlier, ADC (HQ) Natek Nonang highlighted the objective behind the observance, and said that the Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is an occasion to remember the immense human suffering caused by the partition, and to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, homes and loved ones during that difficult period of history.

The programme witnessed the participation of administrative officers, heads of departments, government officials of various departments, and teachers and students from Royal Siang Academy, Yingkiong.

In Upper Subansiri district, the Partition Horrors Remembrance Day was observed in Daporijo on Friday.

It witnessed the participation of students of the Daporijo Degree College.

The programme was organised to commemorate the victims and remember the suffering and hardships endured by people during the Partition of India. The observance also highlighted the importance of preserving the lessons of history and fostering peace, unity, communal harmony and mutual understanding among the younger generation.

Students of Daporijo Degree College actively participated in the programme, reflecting on the tragic events of the Partition and the enduring importance of national integration and harmony.

The programme concluded with a call to uphold the values of unity, peace and brotherhood, and to ensure that the painful lessons of history continue to guide future generations.

The East Siang district administration also observed the Partition Horrors Remembrance Day at the DC's conference hall in Pasighat on Friday.

The programme was attended by heads of departments, officers and officials of the district administration.

Addressing the gathering, SDO Kamin Darang said that history is not merely a record of dates and events but also a reminder of human resilience and the consequences of division.

He said that the horrors of Partition teach the importance of living together in peace and harmony by rising above differences of religion, ideology and politics. He called upon everyone to uphold humanity, humility and mutual respect in their thoughts, words and actions.

The programme began with a rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by the screening of a short film on the Partition of 1947.

The observance concluded with two minutes of silence, followed by lighting candles in remembrance of those who lost their lives and suffered during the Partition.

Lower Siang district also joined the nation in observing the Partition Horrors Remembrance Dayby mounting an exhibition highlighting the horrors and pain of the Partition.

The programme was organised by the Education Department, in collaboration with the district administration, at the auditorium of the Government Higher Secondary School, Likabali.

The programme was attended by government officials, public leaders, senior citizens, teachers and students from various schools in the town.

Engineer Ginso Don inaugurated the event and spoke about the immense suffering endured by the people of the country as a consequence of the Partition of India in 1947.

Senior leader Gumke Riba narrated the agony associated with the Partition and its aftermath, with particular emphasis on its impact and context in Northeast India.

District Art and Culture Officer Augusti Jamoh also spoke.

A major highlight of the event was a drama presented by students of the GHSS, depicting the effects of Partition on territorial boundaries, demographics, emotional bonds and family relationships.

The programme also featured the screening of short films highlighting various aspects of the Partition.

In Tirap district, the Partition Horrors Remembrance Day was observed at the deputy commissioner's office in Khonsa on Friday.

The programme was organised by the District Art & Culture Department, in collaboration with the DDMA, and the Information & Public Relations Department, Khonsa.

During the event, Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik and Khonsa ADC Namneet Singh spoke about the tragic consequences of the Partition of India on 14 August, 1947, and the immense suffering faced by people during the period. They called upon everyone to uphold peaceful coexistence, communal harmony, unity and brotherhood, and to work collectively towards maintaining the integrity and unity of the nation to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Tirap BJP unit president Lankham Wangsu also spoke, highlighting the hardships and sufferings endured by the people during the Partition.

He stressed the importance of preserving unity, peace and harmony among communities.

A two-minute silence in solemn remembrance of the victims of the Partition, screening of a short video on the Partition horrors, and a photo exhibition depicting the experiences, sufferings, hardships and human cost associated with the Partition were the highlights of the programme.

The Partition Horrors Remembrance Day was also observed at the DC's conference hall in West Siang HQ Aalo. Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi, SP Kardak Riba and other government officials attended the programme. (PTI, with inputs from DIPROs)