From Our Correspondent
TURA: The last great warrior of the Garos, Pa Togan Nengminza, who with his band of warriors took on the might of the British empire fighting a battle to the last man at Chisobibra to prevent the invaders from occupying his homeland was remembered on his 139th death anniversary at the place he fell with full traditional honors on Monday.
His death anniversary was commemorated at the cenotaph built in his honor at Chisobibra, close to Williamnagar.
Pa Togan Nengminza refused to bow down to the British forces who wanted to occupy the Garo Hills region. He gathered his warriors from the hills and plains and despite having traditional weapons such as swords (traditional Milam) fought a pitched battle at Chisobibra where the British with more force and armaments including rifles were able to defeat the last Garo bastion of opposition with the death of Pa Togan on December 12th 1872.
The program to commemorate his death anniversary is organized by the executive members of the Pa togan Nengminza Sangma Memorial Association of east Garo Hills.
The solemn occasion began with the guests being traditionally escorted
to the Cenotaph by the Williamnagar Art and Culture group members. To
honor the great leader the district police presented a parade and
traditional gun salute that was soon after followed with the placing
of floral wreaths at the cenotaph which. A minute of silence was also
observed.
Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, the Former Lok Sabha Speaker and
Tura MLA, Purno A Sangma, reminded the gathered crowd that all of us
should contribute something for the motherland like Pa Togan Nengminza
did.
“All of us have talent and it should not die with the person but live
even after the person’s death. It is the duty of everyone to
contribute, promote and preserve our land and culture for the progress
of our nation,” said Mr P A Sangma.
While delivering his speech, Marcuise Marak, local MLA and Guest of
Honor of the function called upon the people to follow the footsteps
of our great leader and work together for the growth and development
of our society.
Deputy Commissioner East Garo Hills, Pravin Bakshi, conveyed his
gratitude to the organizers for this program and also for giving a
glimpse of history of the Garos to the present generation. “This
celebration renews our sense of pride and love for our country,” said
the deputy Commissioner and added that his administration is a
proactive participant committed to supporting such programs and
functions that focus on Art, Culture and History of the region.
The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council Chairman, Alphonse A Sangma
while represent ting his autonomous institution sought the support and
cooperation of the people for the progress and development of the
region.
Other distinguished guests who took part in the commemoration ceremony
were Locksley Robinhood Ch Momin, MDC of Tura, Denang T Sangma,
Williamnagar MDC, among others.
During the function Ms. Somaview N Marak read out the life history of
Pa Togan Nengminza while patriotic song and skit on the warrior’s life
was performed by Sengnang and friends. Earlier, the President of Pa
Togan Sangma Memorial Association (PTSMA), Mr J M N Sangma, welcomed
the gathering while R T Sangma, Secretary (PTSMA), proposed the vote
of thanks.