Editor,
U Tirot Sing, Syiem of Nongkhlaw fought the Anglo-Khasi War from April 1829 to March 1834. For many years we had observed March 29 as the martyrdom day of U Syiem Tirot Sing. This historical error in the date of death was corrected by Professor David Reid Syiemlieh, former Vice-chancellor, of RG University, and ex-Chairman, of UPSC. Professor Syiemlieh, searching through the Bengal Judicial Consultations came across a letter written by Mr. SC Scott, officiating Magistrate of the Foujadary Adalat, Dacca addressed to the Officiating Commissioner of Circuit, Dacca informing him of the demise of the ex-Rajah Teeruth Sing. Mr. Scott further writes that the event took place ‘yesterday at 1.00 p.m.’ Mr. Scott’s letter was dated July 18, 1835 which makes July 17, the martyrdom day of U Syiem Tirot Sing. Today, as we commemorate the 188th Death Anniversary of our hero U Tirot Sing, let us salute Professor David R Syiemlieh for his significant research contributions.
Uma Purkayastha in her “Patriotism and Valour of U Tirot Sing” (Sunday Shillong ST dated July 16, 2023) has raised important points in the context of the last days of U Tirot Sing. How did his last moments come? Was he hanged to death by the British?
After U Tirot Sing surrendered in January 1933, he was sent to Guwahati for trial in the Court. Following the trial, he was lodged in Dacca jail – in common jail. The British considered it highly objectionable to confine a state prisoner in a common jail and hence procured safe custody for him. A house was rented for him at a place known as Girdkillah of old Dacca city. These authentic historical facts are also credited to the untiring and relentless efforts of Professor Syiemlieh.
Professor Syiemlieh mentioned in his Layers of History- Essay on Khasi-Jaintia thus, “Official records are silent about the life of U Tirot Sing from the summer of 1833 to the record of his death. He was first imprisoned in the common jail; later he was placed under house arrest and by the year of his death was given the liberty to move around Dacca. What eventually caused the death of the man is not certain though tradition says it was the outcome of a stomach ailment.”
Professor Syiemlieh further writes, “For too long have the Khasis believed and made others believe, that U Tirot Sing died in jail. Though it is historically correct to say that he remained a prisoner from the time of his surrender in January 1833 to his death in July 1835, the truth of his death is that Tirot Sing did not die in prison, at least not in a prison cell”. Was he hanged to death? Here is another theme that has not been researched.
Yours etc.,
Dr Omarlin Kyndiah
Via email
Indian politics as a tool for development
Editor,
India, being the world’s largest democracy, holds immense potential to shape its destiny through political processes. Political stability and effective governance are pivotal for a nation’s development. By fostering an environment of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, Indian politics can drive socio-economic progress. Policy formulation and implementation should focus on tackling key challenges such as poverty, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Furthermore, political leaders should promote a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. By encouraging investment, fostering a favourable business climate, and supporting small and medium enterprises, Indian politics can unleash the nation’s economic potential. Equally important is the need to prioritize social welfare programs, empowering marginalized communities, and ensuring equal opportunities for all. By championing social justice, promoting gender equality, and protecting human rights, Indian politics can pave the way for an inclusive and progressive society.
Thus, Indian politics holds the power to shape the nation’s destiny. By prioritizing development, fostering good governance, and addressing societal challenges, political leaders can steer India towards a prosperous and equitable future.
Yours etc.,
Kalparaj Chakraborty,
Tura, West Garo Hills,
Well done Laitumkhrah Dorbar
Editor,
In the letter to the editor captioned ‘Kudos to Rangbah Shnong Laitumkhrah!’ (ST July 11, 2023), I completely agree with D. Lyngdoh, that Laitumkhrah in the last few days has experienced decreased noise levels from vehicles with modified silencers and loud music from cars, due to the strict vigilance of the Dorbar during late night hours. Besides the three Rangbah Shnongs viz. Messrs T. Myrboh, P S Nongkynrih, and Andrew Jyrwa, the night patrolling group also comprises Rangbah Dongs, Seng Kynthei, Seng Samla and members of different Executive Committee bodies of the Dongs.
I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Dorbar Shnong and the Executive Members for their hard work to maintain peace and tranquility in Laitumkhrah. The residents of Laitumkhrah should also come out and support this initiative. I hope this responsible group will continue this yeoman service.
Yours etc.,
Nafisa Kharmalki,
Shillong -3
Doctors losing their reputation
Editor,
Apropos the article by Salil Gewali titled “Why people fear doctors these days?” (ST July 10, 2023) I wish to fully endorse what the writer has highlighted. Since the public never raise their voices, the medical professionals and private hospitals have crossed the boundaries of ethics. From exorbitant fees to prescribing medicines to recommending a series of unwanted tests on the pretext of diagnosis, the motive of doctors and private nursing homes is to loot as much money as possible from hapless patients.
Even for a simple fever that otherwise gets cured naturally after a few days, doctors prescribe several tests and then several medicines. I wish doctors were more sympathetic towards the weaker sec tion of the people. Can we find doctors who would ever advise patients not to take medicines for minor sicknesses like fever and dysentery which will get cured naturally after a few days? Fasting cures many kinds of illnesses. which even medical science has proven. Self-healing without medicines increases one’s immune power. Cure through natural process enhances one’s body’s immunity. Why don’t those so-called doctors console the sick people this way also? As Robert Lyngdoh points out, the motive of most of the doctors is only to make money by hook or crook, I think it is for this reasons people not only fear doctors but they look down upon them. Is money more important than goodwill and reputation Dear Doctors? You have lost your good image.
I also request the government to take action against those doctors who charge fees from patients who visit after a few days for review. Such kind of exploitation must also stop.
Yours etc.,
Suraj Biswa
Shillong-2