SHILLONG: The Sein Raij Niamtre, Shillong observed the 153rd death anniversary of legendary freedom fighter U Kiang Nangbah, at U Soso Tham auditorium here on Wednesday.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shillong MP, Vincent H Pala highlighted the fighting spirit of Nangbah and termed him as an inspiration for the youths of today who need to stand firm by the indigenous customs and beliefs.
Pala also expressed happiness over the fact that the death anniversary of the freedom fighter, which is usually observed in Jaintia Hills, was being commemorated in Shillong.
“Before facing execution Kiang Nangbah predicted that if his (Nongbah) face turns towards the east (after execution), the country will be free from foreign oppression within 100 years and if it turns towards the west, the country will remain in bondage for good and his prediction came true,” Pala said.
He assured of assicting the Sein Raij Niamtre in preserving the traditions of the Jaintias.
Meanwhile, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) also observed the freedom fighter’s death anniversary at the Civil Hospital junction.
KSU president Daniel Khyriem said that Nangbah stood against obstacles the youths are facing these days. On the occasion, the KSU leader also called for unity among the indigenous people of the State.
Meanwhile, in Jaintia Hills, the Jaintia Iasiat Khnam Kiang Nangbah Memorial Society (JIKKNMS) observed the 153rd death anniversary of U Kiang Nangbah.
Earlier in the morning, the Sein Raij Jowai also observed the death anniversary of the legendary freedom fighter at Myngkoi Pyrdi, Iongpiah Jowai. KHADC chief, PN Syiem attended the programme as the chief guest.
The JIKKNMS observed the death anniversary of Kiang Nangbah at Madiah Kmai Blai (Syntu- Ksiar) -the place where the first dorbar of elders of the twelve Elakas was held to resolve to fight the British during 1861-62. A monument and statue of Kiang Nangbah stands in the same place.
It may be mentioned that Kiang Nangbah was executed by the British Government in 1862.
Parliamentary Secretary, Stephanson Mukhim and JHADC Executive Member, Holando Lamin attended the JIKKNMS programme. Former KHADC CEM, Adelbert Nongrum, dollois and prominent citizens of Jowai town besides hundreds of others were also present.
A minute’s silence was observed on the occasion.
The gathering also witnessed cultural programmes including performance of songs and dances by troupes from Nongkynrih, Shangpung, Psiar and other villages.
NGOs including the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU), Jaintia Youth Federation (JYF),
Meghalaya People’s United Front (MPUF), the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), EJNC and WJNC, AJHSWO and others offered floral tributes to the freedom fighter.
