SHILLONG, April 29: A book on the first Khasi woman freedom fighter, Phan Nonglait, was released here on Friday.
The book titled Ka Phan Nonglait — a lady freedom fighter of India has been authored by Daniel Stone Lyngdoh, a descendent of Phan Nonglait, and was released by KHADC Executive Member Jambor War.
The book has been published by Kaushal Goyal of Pigeon India and will be available on Amazon and Flipkart.
Born in 1799, Nonglait had not only assisted freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem against the British but was also instrumental in killing 32 British soldiers.
Nonglait died on December 6, 1850 in Rymmai village, now in Eastern West Khasi Hills, due to prolonged illness.
Her descendants, however, still live in Rymmai village.
Speaking during the book launch event, the author said that people across the country are eagerly waiting for the release of this book.
Lyngdoh, who is also an Apex court lawyer, informed that it took him nearly 19 years to complete this book.
He informed that during the course, he did extensive research on Nonglait by talking to prominent people like late Hoping Stone Lyngdoh, late Rev Fr Sngi Lyngdoh, late Skendrowell Syiemlieh, etc.
Informing that he has also gone through some British records, Lyngdoh said that Nonglait is first female Khasi freedom fighter who fought bravely against the British during the time of U Tirot Sing Syiem.
It may be mentioned that the book launch event was also attended by fourth-generation descendants of Phan Nonglait, viz. Reshningder Nonglait and Magdalyne Nonglait.
“We had managed to keep a written document from the stories of forefathers. Anyone who is keen to pay tribute to the late Khasi woman freedom fighter should consult the family,” Macdalyne said.
Meanwhile, Reshningder said the book will provide chronicles of Nonglait’s stories of bravery.
Reshningder also asked the state government to declare a state holiday in memory of the first Khasi woman freedom fighter.