Port Blair, Mar. 10: A solemn function was organised today at the Chatham Memorial to commemorate the 164th anniversary of the arrival of first batch of 200 freedom fighters at Port Blair.  The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Jitendra Narain led the Islanders in paying rich tributes to the heroes of First War of Independence. The Chief Secretary laid wreath at the Memorial as a mark of respect to the Freedom Fighters. Floral tributes were also offered by the senior Officers of the A&N Administration, members of Local Born Association besides old inhabitants of these Islands and others at the Memorial.

This day (March 10) commemorates the arrival of the First Batch of Freedom Fighters of 1857 to these Islands. 

The Chief Secretary also met the members of Local Born Association besides old inhabitants of these Islands gathered in good numbers and interacted with them. During the interaction, the Chief Secretary recalled meeting the Local Born and many of their families 30 years ago when he was posted as SDM in A&N Islands. The programme was organized by the Directorate of Arts & Culture.