SHILLONG, July 17: In a major effort to honour Meghalaya’s indigenous history, the Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) on Friday unveiled two 15-foot statues of Khasi patriots Bormanik Syiem and Sngap Sing Syiem at Laitarted, Nongthliew, Eastern West Khasi Hills.
The ceremony coincided with the 191st death anniversary of the iconic freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem and the foundation day of the HYC.
The installation has been described as the largest patriotic heritage enclave in the state and a significant architectural landmark for the region.
The statue of Sngap Sing Syiem of Hima Maram was unveiled by Niandro Syiemiong, while the monument of Bormanik Syiem of Hima Shyllong was brought to light by Habapan Sing Syiem, Deputy Syiem of Hima Khyrim.
The event was attended by various traditional heads, including G. Kharlukhi, Myntri of Hima Mylliem, along with HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem, general secretary Rhembor Saiborne, and vice president Donbok Kharlyngdoh. The gathering also saw participation from social activists from the Jaintia and Garo Hills.
Conceptualised and sculpted by local artists from the Riti Academy, the project was led by Chief Creative Director Raphael Warjri. The sculpting team included Banteilang Hynniewta, Returnwell Sutong and Skhemlang Hynniewta, supported by local artisans Iallissing Mawrie, Bapynskhem Mawrie and Batskhemlang Kharumnuid.
The enclave commemorates the 19th-century resistance against British colonial expansion.
Bormanik Syiem of Hima Shyllong famously challenged the British East India Company in 1828 over land rights and revenue in the Dimurua region. Sngap Sing Syiemlieh of Hima Maram led the armed resistance during the Second Anglo-Khasi War (1835-1839), using the rugged terrain of Nongnah to repulse British expeditions for four years before his eventual capture.
