U Kiang Nangbah fought to protect the sacred traditions & identity of Pnar people: Meghalaya Governor

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 30, 2024

The Governor of Meghalaya, CH Vijayashankhar, attended as the chief guest the commemoration ceremony of the 162nd Death Anniversary of U Kiang Nangbah, a revered freedom fighter of the Pnar community who led a rebellion against the British army. The event, organized by Seinraij Jowai, took place at Mynkoi Pyrdi Iongpiah on December 30.

During the programme, the Governor contributed over Rs 1 lakh 62 thousand to Seinraij Jowai, acknowledging their efforts in preserving the cultural and religious values of the Pnar people. He praised the beauty and cleanliness of the city, attributing it to the community’s commitment to maintaining their environment.

In his speech, the Governor highlighted U Kiang Nangbah’s rise from humble beginnings to become the leader of the Jaintia community in 1862. He emphasized Nangbah’s courage and determination in defending the religious and cultural values of the Pnar people, noting that the rebellion was not only a political resistance but also a fight to protect their sacred traditions and identity.

The Governor also commended Seinraij Jowai for their dedication to preserving the community’s culture through activities such as the Behdienkhlam and Chad Sukra Festivals. He stressed the importance of remembering history and safeguarding traditions for future generations. He highlighted Seinraij Jowai’s dedication to environmental sustainability, social welfare, and protecting sacred sites and community health, which continues to inspire the community.

The Governor stated, “One thing I make very clear here is that those who do not know history cannot create history. This is the time for us to recall those memories and the present challenges before the community. Let us continue to honour Kiang Nangbah’s memory by safeguarding our traditions as they are, and we must ensure that our future generations understand the values he fought for.”

He concluded his speech by saying, “Whatever presentation you have given to me, on behalf of you people, the same thing, we are going to hand over to the President of the Nation.”

According to legends, Kiang Nangbah, who was ill-equipped and had no resources, fought bravely against a better-equipped British force. In the unequal fight that ensued, Nangbah was captured and publicly hanged on December 30, 1862, to strike terror into the hearts of the Jaintias. His last words, as he faced the gallows, 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 prophecy 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, 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, a role he stoically declined.

The British then imposed taxes on the people, giving birth to the legendary martyr, U Kiang Nangbah, who resolved to oust the British for good.

The event was attended by Jowai Legislator Wailadmiki Shylla, Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills District BS Sohliya, Superintendent of Police West Jaintia Hills Chemphang Syrti, Dr. BDR Tiwari, IAS Commissioner & Secretary to the Governor, Dolloi Elaka Jowai Puramon Kynjing, Seinraij President HO Toi, and General Secretary Arwat Sumer.

Meanwhile, the day was also observed by the Kiang Nangbah Iasiat Khnam Memorial Society (KNIKMS) in Jowai and in Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills, with members of different social organizations paying rich tribute to the freedom fighter.