Editor,
Though U Kiang Nangbah was hanged by the British on December 30, 1862, the Jaintias continued their fight even after U Kiang’s death. The solemn oath the patriots took was to fight Hadooh Khatar Snem Luti ( literally, till the end of a twelve-year journey or metaphorically, till the bitterest end). U Mynlon Daloi of Mynso and Mon Lato shouldered the leadership role and carried on the fight till their last breath.
Meanwhile, a fresh revolt began in January 1863. The people had erected strong stockades and as usual, took advantage of the dense forest and started a fresh attack on the British forces who suffered heavy casualties. People in places like Rymbai, Padu, Nangjngi, Nongbareh, Umkiang, Jowai, Mynso, Nartiang, Lamin, Mukhla and Nangbah were still carrying out the resistance. However, by February 1863 the resistance ended because most of the leaders were killed in the fight with the British troops; some surrendered and were taken prisoner. Except for Oossa Marateang of Rymbai (name as recorded in the Bengal Judicial Proceedings No.214, 4 March 1863) who was tried by Capt. B.W.D Morton and was hanged on January 16, 1863.
Today, as we remember the supreme sacrifices that Oossa Marateang had contributed for the freedom of our motherland let us bow our heads in homage to the memory of those leaders who have laid down their lives in the service of the motherland. Prominent among these were: U Mynlon Mynso, U Mon Lato, U Kiri Daloi of Changpung, U Swar Sutnga, U Long Padu, U Mon Rymbai, U Chey Rangbah, U Bang Raliang, U Bukhiar Pator of Raliang, U Woh Riang, U Kiang Sule, and U Kat Changpung.
Salute to two valiant patriots of Jaintia Hills U Kiang Nangbah and Oossa Marateang who were hanged to death by the British rulers. Although they were killed by the British Raj their ideas, patriotic feelings, and sacrifices cannot be forgotten.
As we pay our tributes to those men, whose efforts to liberate us from the colonial rulers ended in their supreme sacrifice at the gallows, it is also baffling as to why the episode of the Jaintia Resistance movement finds no place in the historical text of India’s freedom movement. More than seven decades after India achieved independence, the role of innumerable martyrs and freedom fighters from the northeastern region who gave their blood and offered their lives for the motherland need to be given their due place in the history of India’s freedom struggle.
Yours etc.,
Dr Omarlin Kyndiah,
Via email
