PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked Rajasthan and the Governments of neighbouring States for a roadmap to develop Mangarh Dham, a memorial to a tribal uprising against the British, an event that he said has not been given its place in history.

“Over 1,500 tribals were killed in firing by the British on November 17, 1913, but unfortunately, in the history written post-Independence, this was not given its due place. Now, the country is correcting the mistake committed decades ago,” he said, addressing a gathering, comprising tribals, among others, at the memorial.

While the event was on, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) tweeted that the Prime Minister has declared the dham a national monument. Later in the day, the tweet was removed.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who shared the dais with Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, had been demanding this status for the dham.

Remembering Govind Guru, who had led the 1913 uprising, Modi said Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra together under the leadership of the Centre can develop the dham more so that the tribal leader’s place can get a global identity. The event is being seen as the BJP’s outreach to the tribal community ahead of the Assembly polls in Gujarat in the next few weeks and in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh next year.

During the freedom struggle, Bhils and members of other tribes engaged in a long stand-off with the British, with over 1.5 lakh tribals rallying to the Mangarh Hill on November 17, 1913, under the leadership of Govind Guru, according to an official release. The British opened fire at this gathering, leading to the Mangarh massacre, it said.

Modi’s visit is likely to leave an impact on Assembly constituencies in northern parts of Gujarat where Assembly elections are going to be held.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajasthan Chief Minister Gehlot said he was happy that recently the Prime Minister spoke to the Chief Secretaries of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh about the dham.