SHILLONG: The BJP national general secretary (organization) Ram Lal along with other senior party leaders of Meghalaya including state party president Shibun Lyngdoh paid floral tribute at the statue of legendary freedom fighter of Meghalaya U Tirot Sing Syiem on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Quit India movement in Shillong on Wednesday.
The BJP leader accompanied by party’s state leaders offered floral tributes at the statue of U Tirot Sing here at Madan Iewrynghep.
Speaking to media persons, Ram Lal said that U Tirot sing made a big sacrifice for the country and it’s because of freedom fighters like Tirot Sing, the country got its independence.
He further said that the party was observing Quit India Movement anniversary till August 31 to honour those who laid down their lives for the nation.
According to Ram Lal, youths of the country should be made aware about the movement and the struggle for country’s independence.
On being asked if paying tribute to U Tirot Sing was a political stunt in view of the 2018 Assembly elections, the BJP leader denied it saying the party last year too had organised Tiranga Yatra in different parts of the country.
“This has nothing to do with elections and the programmes are being organised even in states which would not go to elections sooner or later,” he said.
BJP’s Meghalaya state unit President, Shibun Lyngdoh recalled that the DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh last year had visited Nongkhlaw, the birth place of the legendary Khasi tribal ruler to pay tribute to him.
“We from the state party visited Garo Hills last year to pay out respect to Pa Togan Sangma, Lyngdoh said.
U Tirot Sing was the first freedom fighter who opposed the colonial British rules from North- East India. He tried to save Khasi Hills from the clutches of British rulers. He started the battle against British in 1829 and continued till the last day of his life. He was the first Khasi leader who raised the sword of protest against the British. He was the Syiem or the head of the administrative power of the Khasi Hills.