After 70 yrs, Tricolour unfurled in ‘village of rebels’ in Bhiwani

Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 23

Rohnat village in Bhiwani district on Friday witnessed the unfurling of the national flag in the area for the first time since Independence.

It was branded as a ‘village of rebels’ by the Britishers during the Revolt of 1857. Peeved at not getting justice even after the end of the British regime, the villagers still considered themselves as slaves and never celebrated Independence Day.

However, for the first time since Independence, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar unfurled the national flag on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day.

On May 29, 1857, villagers from Rohnat broke into the Hisar jail and freed those imprisoned there for participating in the freedom struggle. In the process, 11 British officers were killed at Hansi.

After this, the British regime unleashed a reign of terror on the villagers by branding Rohnat as a ‘village of rebels’. Hundreds of men were maimed by running over a road roller on them on a road in Hansi town, which is now known as ‘Laal Sadak’, as it turned red with the blood of villagers.

Many others were hanged on a tree in the village, while several women, along with their children, jumped into the village well to avoid being caught. The Banyan tree and the well still stand there in the village.

The Britishers auctioned 20,856 bighas of agricultural land of the villagers, which was purchased by people from the neighbouring areas for a paltry sum of Rs8,000.

Speaking to The Tribune before leaving for Bhiwani, Khattar said, “When I was apprised of the history of the village during a meeting with its residents arranged by local MLA Vishambhar Balmiki and Deputy Commissioner Anshaj Singh, I was deeply moved. I cannot undo the injustice done to the brave villagers in the past. However, I will leave no stone unturned to give them their due. The villagers deserve salutations of the entire nation for the sufferings of their ancestors during the freedom struggle. ”

DC Anshaj Singh said the agricultural land of the villagers could not be returned to them because of legal implication. Khattar also unveiled the blueprint of Shaheed Smarak to be built on four acre in the village and announced that those who sacrificed their lives 161 years ago would no more remain unsung. They would be remembered as martyrs from now.

He announced a number of development projects such as four walling of all four village ponds, renovation of the Primary Health Centre, laying of drinking water pipes, construction of roads and repair of waterworks.