Sri Vijaya Puram, January 28, 2026
A solemn function will be organised at the Balidan Vedi in the State Martyr’s Memorial, Homfreygunj, on 30 January 2026 to commemorate the 82nd Martyrdom Anniversary of the Homfreygunj Massacre. The event will honour the memory of 44 civilians who were executed here by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II.
The anniversary commemorates a tragic event that took place on 30 January 1944, when 44 Indian civilians (Islanders) were accused by Japanese forces of spying and summarily shot dead at Homfreygunj in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
According to historical records, the victims were taken from the Cellular Jail and transported to a hillock at Homfreygunj, where they were executed and buried in a mass grave.
Balidan Vedi — Homfreygunj Martyr’s Memorial now stands as a tribute to those who lost their lives during the occupation of the islands by the Japanese Imperial Army from 1942 to 1945, a period in which numerous atrocities were documented against the local population.
The memorial site is maintained by the Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration. Each year on 30 January, officials, dignitaries, and civilians gather to pay homage to the martyrs with floral tributes and interfaith prayers.
At the upcoming ceremony, dignitaries will lay floral tributes and a religious prayer service will be held at the memorial, continuing the tradition of honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who perished on that day.
