Port Blair, Aug. 23: The Andaman & Nicobar Islands have a rich history and a unique culture. Although the period from 1942 to 1945 was not a happy one, it nevertheless is a part of our history and deserves to be acknowledged.

It is sad to see the ignorance of young islanders concerning their own history. Tourists also deserve to be educated about all aspects of our Islands, said the Director General of Police, Shri SBS Deol in a communication.

The hardship and sufferings of our citizens during the Japanese occupation is a big gap in our history which needs to be highlighted. Though there is a monument at Ferrargunj, it is remote and does not attract the attention it deserves. Apart from Ferrargunj, Car Nicobar, Tarmugli and Havelock also were the sites of similar massacres which very few islanders are aware of. In the meantime, citizens who lived through that period or articles of interest such as Japanese currency notes, newspapers and even stories handed down orally from generation to generation are in the process of being lost.

The Andaman & Nicobar Police thus intends to set in a Museum in the Port Blair area which will record the events and aspects of the Japanese occupation. The Director General of Police, Shri Deol has appealed to all citizens who have suggestions, display items or any other items of interest from that period to come forward. Research has already been associated to garner material facts from some of books and publications dealing with that period. Some photographs are also available and photographs of martyrs killed by the Japanese are solicited from the family members.

The record of the War Crimes Trail at Singapore in which Japanese officers were hanged for their crimes in the A&N Islands are also being collected.

Tourism being the most viable industry in the Islands, this museum will provide another tourist spot which will be popular among our citizens as well as tourists. The A&N Police solicits all help possible. The deadline for this project is three months. A suitable building will be identified after assessing the amount of collected materials available for display, the DG Police adds.