KNIKMS to set up museum in memories of U Kiang Nangbah

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 30, 2020

People of Jaintia Hills region today paid rich tribute to their legendary freedom fighter, U Kiang Nangbah on his 158^th death anniversary. 

On the occasion, the Kiang Nangbah Iasiat Khnam Memorial Society (KNIKMS) has proposed to set up a museum for preserving the rich legacy of U Kiang Nangbah, at Madiah Kmai Blai – a ground where the statue of the great martyr was erected. 

The ground was also later renamed as Kiang Nangbah Memorial Park, Syntu Ksiar, which is also one of the famous tourist spot in the state. 

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 Umpara, 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.

Speaking to reporters, KNIKMS president Pearlet Toi said the proposal to set up the museum was conceptualized for the past few years and the delay to move it forward was due to the COVID-19 lockdown. 

He also informed that the project committee of the society has also decided to engage traditional experts for designing and construction of the museum in view of the National Green Tribunal (NGT)’s order against permanent structure near the river banks. 

“The museum will be environment friendly. We are in the final stage of preparing the detailed project report (DPR),” Toi said while informing that the proposal will be submitted to the state government before March, next year. 

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 54 years.

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.