Our Bureau
Jowai/Shillong, Dec 30: Different groups paid tribute to the legendary freedom fighter, U Kiang Nangbah on his 161st death anniversary.
A programme was organised by the Jaintia Iasiat Khnam Kiang Nangbah Memorial Society (JIKKNMS) at Madiah Kmai Blai Syntu Ksiar, the place where his monument stands.
Sutnga Saipung MLA, Santamary Shylla, was the chief guest at the programme, while Joint Secretary Governor Secretariat, Raj Bhawan Shillong A Lakiang, Headman of Panaliar, Riquma Laloo, and JHADC MDC Saron Paswet and other invitees were present at the event to remember the bravery of Kiang Nangbah who challenged the power of the British in the 1860s.
Santamary thanked the KNIKMS for observing the day every year and urged the people to preserve the culture of the Pnar people while promising to support the organisation.
While stressing the need to preserve unity among the people of the land, she urged everyone to be united and follow in the footsteps of the legend.
Leaders of several pressure groups including the JSM, JSU, JYF, HNAM central Body, HITO, MPUF, HYC, AHPUF, etc, and residents of the areas assembled at Syntu Ksiar to mark the day.
A short history of the great freedom fighter was narrated by Riquma Laloo. Cultural programmes, and short skids were also held.
The chief guest gave away the prizes to the winners of the archery competition.
Meanwhile, Sein Raij Jowai also paid tribute to Kiang Nangbah at a function at Sein Raij Hall, Loompyrdi Jowai.
In East Jaintia Hills, the Jaintia National Council (JNC) observed the day by organising a programme at Khliehriat near the statue of U Kiang Nangbah.
Meanwhile, the Sein Raij Niamtre Shillong felicitated academic achievers on the occasion of U Kiang Nangbah’s 161st death anniversary at Sein Raij Dorbar Hall in Qualapatty. During the programme achievers from different academic backgrounds were recognised and felicitated.
Shillong MP, Vincent H Pala was the chief guest at the programme.
Cabinet Minister, Alexander Laloo Hek on Saturday held a special programme at Mebaai Resort at Umtrew in Ri-Bhoi district to commemorate the 161st death anniversary of U Kiang Nangbah.
Hek had invited more than 100 children of the God’s Dream Children’s Home to be part of the programme.
The programme concluded with a prayer meeting led by the chairman of the God’s Dream Children’s Home, Rev Crosslin Marbaniang.
State BJP Mahila Morcha and BJYM paid respect and floral tribute to U Kiang Nangbah at a programme at the State Central Library.
While speaking on the occasion, State BJP Mahila Morcha president Sukhi Pariat said, “We request the state government to focus on the various problems faced by single mothers. Mothers nurture the future of our society and they must be provided with all kinds of support to ensure that we bring up the next generation that guarantees a healthy society.”
While emphasizing the people to reflect and draw inspiration from the life of the legendary freedom fighter, Pariat said, ‘“The problem of drug abuse amongst the youth is also rampant in the state today. All sections of society must work closely to ensure that the young ones are weaned away from the lure of drugs and brought back to a normal, healthy life. The government must focus on poverty alleviation”.