190th death anniversary of freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem commemorated
SHILLONG, July 17: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Thursday urged the state government to enact laws that truly safeguard the interests of state’s indigenous population.
“Years have passed, yet the government continues to ignore the long-standing demand for robust legal frameworks to protect the rights of indigenous communities,” KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar said during the wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of U Tirot Sing Syiem who died in exile in a prison in Bangladesh.
The programme was organised to commemorate the 190th death anniversary of the legendary Khasi freedom fighter.
Marngar reminded the gathering that elected representatives are chosen with the hope that they will enact laws for the welfare of the indigenous people.
“Unfortunately, our leaders remain entangled in political theatrics between ruling and opposition camps. We urge them to refocus on the pressing issues affecting our people,” he said.
He warned of a growing threat from within the community.
“Our enemies today are not just outsiders but include those among us who are willing to sell out the community to serve their personal interests. These individuals have been bought by outside forces,” he said, calling upon the youth to identify and eliminate such “black sheep” from the community.
“We will face a grave threat if we fail to act against these destructive elements,” the KSU leader cautioned.
He stressed the importance of unity and determination, noting that the Khasi population is only around 15 lakh.
“We must not be misled by outsiders who may pretend to show respect for our community. Once they gain entry, their intention is to divide and weaken us,” he warned.
North East Students’ Organisation chairman Samuel Jyrwa highlighted the historical significance of U Tirot Sing Syiem’s resistance against British rule.
Jyrwa said the indigenous Khasi community continues to struggle against being overwhelmed by outsiders, striving to protect its identity and secure future generations.
He said while India has been independent for 78 years and Meghalaya has enjoyed statehood for 54 years, questions still remain.
“My question is—has the Khasi tribe truly achieved freedom? As a community, we continue to dream about it,” said Jyrwa, who is also a former KSU president.
He observed that the community still faces numerous challenges and stressed that it must assert its rights over land, protect its culture and traditions, and preserve its language.
“I don’t see much hope if we continue to rely solely on the state government,” he said.
Recalling past movements, Jyrwa noted that it has always been the people who stepped forward to assert their rights—be it in 1979, 1987, 1993, or beyond.
“This generation too must lead the way to ensure hope and security for our future generations,” he emphasised.
Earlier in the day, floral tributes were paid and a minute of silence was observed in front of U Tirot Sing Syiem’s statue at Madan Iewrynghep. The solemn ceremony was attended by leaders of several pressure groups, including Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People.
HYC unveils 24-ft statue of Tirot Sing
At another function, a 24-feet tall statue of Tirot Sing was unveiled at Laitarted, Nongthliew by the Hynniewtrep Youth Council. The vent also marked the 11th anniversary of the organisation.
The statue was unveiled by Dr KM Syiemlieh, Deputy Chief of Hima Nongkhlaw, who lauded the outstanding initiative by HYC.
He also called upon the people to imbibe the patriotic spirit of the freedom fighter and translate into their contemporary enthusiasm to protect the people from the onslaught of dominant community in all aspects of life.
HYC president, Roy Kupar Synrem in his keynote address expressed the commitment of the HYC to protect the interest of the indigenous people of the state and lauded the contribution of his earlier incumbents, Peter Lawai and Robert June Kharjahrin who had pioneered the pathway to every accomplishment that the organisation has achieved including the erection of the monument of the freedom fighter to inspire future generation.
Synrem felicitated Dr Syiemlieh while HYC vice president Donboklang Kharlyngdoh feted Raphael Warjri and his team who sculpted the statue of the freedom fighter.
The function was marked by the released of a pictorial booklet on the history of Tirot Sing Syiem and his comrades in arms, a book titled Khasi Folk Democracy, authored by Raphael Warjri, followed by a cultural performance by local folk and traditional artists, Snow White, Khmih Creative Society, Thunder Cave and Akbar Nongdhar and party.
BJP seeks national recognition for Tirot Sing
The Meghalaya BJP has resolved to petition the central government to ensure national recognition for Khasi freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem.
The party said they would urge the Centre to ensure that the freedom fighter is accorded national recognition and that his deeds are widely publicised across the country.
Earlier, the BJP commemorated the 190th death anniversary of the illustrious freedom fighter by holding a series of programmes across the city and the state.
In the morning, a team of BJYM members, headed by BJYM president Mewaker Lyngdoh and state vice president Khrawboklang Basaiawmoit paid floral tributes to the renowned freedom fighter’s statue at the trisemble on the State Central Library premises.
In the evening, a glittering function was held in the party’s head office, where party president Rikman G Momin led others in paying tributes to Tirot Sing.
BJP chief spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang said the party will continue to honour all freedom fighters from Meghalaya to ensure their legacy continues to inspire every generation of the state and the nation.