By Jiyo Riba Jini

Late Moji Riba, a revered freedom fighter from Dari village, was born in 1911 to Late Gomo Riba, a respected and affluent figure of the Dari Circle. At the age of thirteen, he joined the Mission School at Sadiya in 1923 and later, in 1927, continued his studies at Mission High School, Jorhat (Assam), up to Class VII. During his time in Jorhat, he was deeply inspired by his teachers and by the nationwide freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders.

The untimely demise of his father in 1932 placed the burden of family and societal responsibilities upon his young shoulders. His teachers had informed him about the sacrifices of Maniram Dewan and Piyali Phukan, who were executed by the British for their role in the independence struggle. Motivated by these stories, he organised anti-British groups and travelled across villages in the undivided Siang belt, encouraging people to join the Congress Party. Under his leadership, villagers began constructing a school building at Deepa to spread education among the underprivileged.

Following instructions from Late Gopinath Bordoloi, he secretly met him at Sadiya to discuss the oppressive administration of British officers in Pasighat. Alarmed by his growing influence, the British demolished the school camps at Deepa and later arrested him during his daughter's last rites. He was imprisoned for two months in Pasighat.

Despite these hardships, his movement flourished. Five hundred men enrolled, eleven houses were built at Deepa for teachers and students, and weekly meetings were held to strengthen the freedom struggle. On 15th August 1947, Late Moji Riba made history by unfurling the National Flag at Deepa village, marking the first such event in the political history of the Abor belt, now Arunachal Pradesh.

In recognition of his immense contribution, the Government of India honoured him with the Tamra Patra Award on 15th August 1972 at the Red Fort in New Delhi. The award was presented by Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi in the presence of the Hon'ble President of India, Late V.V. Giri.

Narendra Modi erected a life-size statue of Late Moji Riba at Amrit Udyan, further honouring his legacy. The present government also honoured his legacy under Shri Hengabari, Guwahati, in 2023-24.

Cargo Plane Crash at Taju Rapa Hill

Local accounts also recall his encounter with foreign pilots after a cargo plane crash at Taju Rapa Hill. When a helicopter landed at the Ego riverbank, Kalinga villagers, unfamiliar with white men and aircraft, fled in fear. Late Moji Riba courageously approached the pilots, conversed with them in English, and assisted in the investigation. This incident further elevated his stature among the people, who admired his knowledge and leadership.

Late Moji Riba passed away on 11th October 1973 due to age-related health issues. His life remains a beacon of courage, sacrifice, and dedication to the cause of India's independence.

(The writer is the daughter of Late Moji Riba)