By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, DEC 30: Floral tributes were paid to legendary Jaintia martyr U Kiang Nangbah on his 154th death anniversary in the Khasi – Jaintia hills Floral tributes were paid by the different social organizations including political leaders at the various sites where the statue of the freedom fighter was erected – Jowai, Khliehriat and Shillong.
Deputy chief minister RC Laloo also paid his respect to this great martyr at the 40- year old monument located at Syntu Ksiar, Jowai, West Jaintia hills in presence of JHADC deputy CEM A Shullai.
In Shillong, leaders of the Khasi Students Union (KSU) also observed the day by paying floral tributes and delivering speeches at Barik point where the statue was erected two years ago.
On the other hand, the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) as a mark of remembering the freedom fighter staged a sit in demonstration to protest against the government’s failure to resolve the inter-state border dispute with Assam.
Meanwhile, a grand function was held at Syntu Ksiar popularly known as Madiah Kmai Blai – a ground where U Kiang Nangbah was chosen to be the leader to free the indigenous people from the British rule.
The programme, which highlighted the history of the great freedom fighter, is organized every year by the Jaintia Iasiat Khnam Kiang Nangbah Memorial Society (JIKKNMS).
Addressing on the occasion, deputy chief minister RC Laloo said, “Legends don’t die because their great deeds live forever and ever.”
He said, “Legendries like U Kiang Nangbah reminds us the importance to love and protect our nation and are sources of inspirations to fight against any negative forces.”
Laloo, who is also a local legislator from Jowai, also took the opportunity to appeal to youths to fully utilize their talents for the growth and prosperity of the state.
In his short speech, the JHADC deputy CEM Andrew Shullai said the need of the hour is to awaken the spirit of the legendary freedom fighter within ourselves to fight against challenges that are before the indigenous community.
According to the legends, Kiang Nangbag who was ill equipped and had no resources, fought bravely but by virtue against better power.
Kiang Nangbah in the unequal fight that ensued was captured and hanged publicly to strike terror into the hearts of the Jaintias on December 30, 1862.
The legends have it that when he was put to the gallows, his last words were- If my face turns eastward when I die on the rope, we shall be free again within a hundred years. If it turns westwards, we shall be enslaved forever.”
His prophesy came true as India became free within a hundred year after his death.
The British had subjugated the indigenous people of the region. Raja Rajendra Singh of Jaintiapur, a Jaintia king then, was deprived of his kingdom through deceit when his territory in the plains was taken away by the British.
He was left with the option to rule over his people in the hills which offered little scope for earning revenue for running the administration which he stoically declined.
The British then imposed taxes on the people and this gave birth to the legendary martyr who resolved to oust them for good.
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