Khasi freedom fighter death anniversary

SHILLONG, JULY 17: A clarion call to unite against uranium mining in Meghalaya was made during the 181th death anniversary of legendary Khasi freedom fighter – U Tirot Sing Syiem.

NGOs including the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) as well as political parties in the state paid rich tributes to the Khasi freedom fighter, who rebelled against the British Empire..

Speaking on the occasion, KSU president Daniel Khyriem said that the union right from the beginning is firm in its stand to strongly oppose against any attempt to carry out uranium mining in any parts of the state especially in South West Khasi Hills region.

Calling for unity among the indigenous people against such move, Khyriem said, “It is time that we rise above the occasion and stay united to fight against any challenges that are confronting the community.” He pointed out that there are groups which seem to be confused on the issue of uranium mining.

“We appeal to all the NGOs to work together and the KSU is also open for any discussion on this issue,” Khyriem said while adding today is a day that all should recommit towards protecting the rights and interest of indigenous community.

Sending a clear message not to allow uranium mining to take place at any cost, the KSU chief also said that the state government should make its stand clear on the issue related to the propose uranium mining. “We demand the government to refrain from taking any hasty decision but to ensure that the interest of the people especially those who are going to be affected are taken into consideration,” he said.

Reiterating that the union is not against development, Khyriem however said, “But we want development to come in a transparent manner and not with some hidden agenda.”

According to him, the UCIL’s development proposal itself is a clear indicator towards uranium mining in Mawthabah area.

Political parties including the United Democratic Party (UDP), Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) also observed the death anniversary of the great freedom fighter by paying floral tributes.

The Hima Nongkhlaw, Tirot Sing’s erstwhile kingdom, will also observe his death anniversary tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) Mawlai Umjaiur as a mark of paying rich tribute to the freedom fighter organized the 2nd Under-16 U Tirot Sing Syiem Football 2016 at Madan Heh Mini Stadium held on Saturday.

U Tirot Sing, a tribal Khasi chief of Nongkhlaw Kingdom, was the first tribal Khasi ruler to rebel against the British Empire in 1829. On January 13, 1833, the British forces treacherously captured him and kept him in captivity at Dhaka where he died on July 17, 1835.- By Our Reporter