First of its kind ‘museum’ to be set up in Jowai as a tribute to U Kiang Nangbah

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 30, 2019

JOWAI: People of Jaintia Hills region today paid rich tribute to their legendary freedom fighter, U Kiang Nangbah on his 157th death anniversary.

On the occasion, the state government has been demanded to set up a museum in his memories and to direct the district authorities to observe the day as only declaring a state holiday is not enough.

These demands were made in two separate functions organized by the Kiang Nangbah Iasiat Khnam Memorial Society (KNIKMS) and the Seinraij, Jowai respectively.

The museum, which will be the first of its kind, is proposed to be constructed at Madiah Kmai Blai – a ground which was later renamed as Kiang Nangbah Memorial Park, Syntu Ksiar – where the statue of the great martyr was erected.

The ground located along the banks of the Myntdu River is a historic place where the U Kiang Nangbah was chosen as the leader to free the indigenous people from the British rule.

The museum will document the birth place at Kper Nangkhlieh, Tpep-pale (erstwhile Dulong, Jowai), the place where he was captured by the British at Umkara, near Khanduli village along the inter-state border with Assam and the place where the freedom fighter was hanged to death at Iawmusiang, Jowai besides the weapons used by him.

The KNIKMS also sought the intervention of Arts & Culture Minister AL Hek for financial support from the state government during a grand function to commemorate the 157th death anniversary at Madiah Kmai Blai.

Asserting the importance of preserving the legacy of the freedom fighter, Hek said assured the leaders of the KNIKMS that he would extent full support for the setting up of the museum.

“We will work together to ensure this long pending aspiration of the people is achieved,” the minister told them as he also expressed his interest to make the place (Madiah Kmai Blai) as one of the tourist destinations in the state.

Earlier, Hek also paid floral tribute to the statue of U Kiang Nangbah. He reminded the gathering of the contribution of the freedom fighter. “Our identity would have been lost had it not been for the sacrifices of this great leader,” he said.

The minister however urged the people on the need to eradicate social evils including drug menace, which is affecting the present day society.

It may be mentioned here, the Kiang Nangbah Iasiat Khnam Memorial Society, which was formed way back in 1966, has been observing the Kiang Nangbah Day every year for the past 53 years.

On the other hand, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh while addressing a function at Myngkoi-Pyrdi Iongpiah assured to take up the suggestion of the Seinraij Jowai on the need for government authorities to observe the day as a mark of respect.

President of the Seinraj Jowai, OR Challam said that declaring only a state holiday is not enough to pay respect to the legendary freedom fighter. “We therefore, urge the government to direct the district administration to observe the day without any clash in the timing of the programmes organized by the Seinraij Jowai and the one held Madiah Kmai Blai,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lyngdoh also announced a new year’s gift by providing financial assistance of Rupees three and a half lakh for the renovation of the Seinraj Indoor Hall, which is located at the venue.

In speech as the guest of honour, state president of the National People’s Party (NPP) Dr WR Kharlukhi said spoke at length on the Jaintia concept of democracy.

“Kiang Nangbah was just a commoner but was elected by the people to be a leader, which shows real democracy,” he said.

According to the legends, Kiang Nangbah who was ill equipped and no resources, fought bravely but by virtue of better power.

Kiang Nangbah in the unequal fight that ensued was captured and hanged publicly to strike terror into the hearts of the Jaintias on December 30, 1862.

The legends have it that When he was put to the gallows, his last words were- If my face turns eastward when I die on the rope, we shall be free again within a hundred years. If it turns westwards, we shall be enslaved forever.”

His prophesy came true as India became free within a hundred years after his death.

The British had subjugated the indigenous people of the region. Raja Rajendra Singh of Jaintiapur, a Jaintia king then, was deprived of his kingdom through deceit when his territory in the plains was taken away by the British.

He was left with the option to rule over his people in the hills which offered little scope for earning revenue for running the administration which he stoically declined.

The British then imposed taxes on the people and this gave birth to the legendary martyr who resolved to oust them for good.

Meanwhile, the day was also observed in Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills with members of different social organizations paying rich tribute to the freedom fighter.