U Kiang Nongbah museum

From Our Correspondent

JOWAI, DEC 30: A first of its kind traditional museum is all set to be constructed to preserve the legacy of the legendary Jaintia freedom fighter – U Kiang Nangbah. This was announced by the president of the Jaintia Iasiat Khnam Kiang Nangbah Memorial Society (JIKKNMS) Jait-da-oo Sumer while addressing a function to observe the great martyr’s 154th death anniversary on Friday.

The traditional museum is proposed to be set up at Madiah Kmai Blai (or Syntu Ksiar – a popular tourist spot).

The ground located at the bank of the Myntdu river is a historic place where the freedom fighter was chosen to be the leader to free the indigenous people from the British rule.

“The museum will be showcasing the traditional equipment especially those used by this freedom fighter,” Sumer told the gathering.

He informed that the society has prepared a master plan which also includes the setting up of a traditional institute to highlight the life of U Kiang Nangbah besides a traditional archery field.

Meanwhile, the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) is also keen to extend adequate financial support to the project proposed by the society.

“I have seen the master plan and we will earmark funds as financial assistance to improve the historic ground,” JHADC deputy CEM Andrew Shullai assured while speaking as guest of honour on the occasion.

Speeches from different speakers recalling the contribution of U Kiang Nangbah towards freeing the indigenous community from the British rule and cultural programme were the main highlights of the day.