NONGSTOIN: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Wednesday observed the 32nd death anniversary of Late Wickliffe Syiem, the Syiem Khynnah (Deputy King) of Hima Nongstoin, at his memorial site in Sohpian, Nongstoin.
Highlighting his history, John Fisher Nongsiang, president of KSU West Khasi Hills District Unit, said the Khasis should emulate Syiem, who was a pioneer in many respects.
Born in Nongstoin on August 15, 1909, Syiem obtained held an engineering degree from the College of Engineering Technology, Baroda, Gujarat, and became the first engineer among the Khasi community. Syiem struggled hard to obtain autonomy status for Nongstoin during his lifetime, he added.
Lambokstar Marngar, president of KSU central unit, reminded that the freedom fighters fought hard and rebelled against the British Empire and later faced the supremacy from mainland India in terms of border dispute, education and influx.
He also spoke against the Bangladeshi nationals’ alleged ingress into Meghalaya territory claiming to be Indian citizens.
He reminded all the Union members to follow in the footsteps and ideologies of Wickliffe.
The Union members laid floral wreaths at the memorial site of Syiem.
