The estimated loss of property and resources during the oppressive
years following the annexation of the Jaintia kingdom by the British in 1835 amounts to over Rs 2 lakh crore
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 31: The Syiem Sutnga clan, which is the royal clan of the Jaintias, reminisced on the colonial oppression endured by the Jaintia people at the hands of the British rulers while formally requesting reparations for the atrocities committed by the British regime nearly two centuries ago.
The call was made during the annual assembly of the Syiem Sutnga clan, along with its exogamous group of 14 clans, collectively known as Khatsaw Khnong, was held at Madankynsaw, Mookyndeng, East Jaintia Hills on Thursday.
Thousands of clan members from all over the Khasi and Jaintia Hills gathered at the event to deliberate on various matters related to the welfare and cultural preservation of the clan. The exogamous clans include Saio, Stui, Samaiang, Pajuh, Pakem, Passah, Salahe, Law, Shadap, and Paslein apart from Syiemlieh and Syiemiong from the Nongkhlaw and Nongspung provinces.
Among the highlights of the gathering was an address by eminent advocate Erwin K Syiem Sutnga who shed light on the atrocities faced by the Jaintias when the Jaintia kingdom was invaded and annexed by the British in 1835, which led to the forfeiture of the royal family’s authority. The situation worsened in 1862 when the British government imposed harsh laws, including a house tax, which sparked unrest among the residents of the Jaintia Hills.
This led to a resistance movement, famously led by U Kiang Nangbah, who was captured and executed by hanging in a public place. Sutnga, in his assessment of the historical injustices, stated that the estimated loss of property and resources during these oppressive years amounted to over Rs 2 lakh crore.
He told the gathering that the move to seek justice and reparations is being made following the legal framework. He emphasized that the efforts are grounded in the constitutional provisions of India, particularly the Sixth Schedule, and extend to the various levels of the judiciary, including the Supreme Court.
Furthermore, Sutnga said the legal course of action could potentially be pursued on an international scale, referencing the possibility of taking the matter to the International Court of Justice. This step, he clarified, is being undertaken to ensure that the pursuit of justice for the historical wrongs committed against the Jaintia people follows due legal processes and adheres to the highest legal standards both within the country and internationally.
In response, he petitioned the British government, demanding both compensation for the losses incurred and a formal apology for the human rights violations committed during the colonial period. His call for justice not only seeks to address the past but also to raise awareness of the historical struggles faced by the Jaintia people.
Further emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation, Sutnga urged the clan members to actively uphold the matrilineal tradition that defines their society. He called on them to propagate the importance of maintaining this cultural practice, stressing that future generations must understand and cherish their heritage.
The advocate also appealed to the attendees to approach the upcoming elections for the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council with discernment and care. He encouraged the clan members to elect candidates who possess not only the necessary knowledge and skills but also a genuine concern for the cultural heritage and well-being of the people.
As part of the programme, some of the meritorious individuals who have excelled in their careers were felicitated with mementoes.
The assembly was marked by vibrant cultural performances, which served to celebrate and preserve the rich traditions of the Jaintia people. As the event came to a close, president Ransom Sutnga symbolically unfurled the clan flag, followed by traditional dances performed by all those in attendance, marking the end of a momentous and culturally rich gathering.