Jowai, Dec 30: The Seiñ Raij Jowai today commemorated the 163rd death anniversary of freedom fighter Kiang Nangbah by holding a function Mynkoi Pyrdi Loompyrdi Iongpiah.
Arts & Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai attended the function in the presence of Seiñraij President H. Toi, former President O. R. Shallam and others.
Dolloi of Elaka Jowai Puramon Kynjing presented a talk on the life and struggle of U Kiang Nangbah in resisting the British.
The Minister stressed on the importance of respecting and honouring one’s roots and recalled the contribution of Kamnel Shullai, a visionary innovator from Jowai who, despite limited formal education, designed an eco-friendly cremation system in 2003 that drastically reduced firewood consumption.
Shullai informed that the government through the Arts & Culture Department will construct a Kiang Nangbah Square at the Kiang Nangbah Government College junction and urged the Seiñraij to send in their suggestions for the project.
During the programme, leaders who have served the Seiñraij for over 25 years were felicitated and prizes were distributed to winners of traditional games.
Meanwhile, the Kiang Nangbah Iasiat Khnam Memorial Society, Jowai held a function to honour the freedom fighter at the Kiang Nangbah Memorial Park, Madiah Kmai Blai, Syntu Ksiar , which was attended by Shullai.
Various other organisations such as Jaiñtia Students’ Union, Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization, Jaiñtia Students’ Movement, Pnar Student Movement, War Jaiñtia Students’ Union, Jaiñtia Youth Federation, Hynñiewtrep Youth Council, Hynñiewtrep National Youth Front, Meghalaya People United Front, Jaiñtia Women Awakening Movement, Bouncers Association of Meghalaya, National People’s Youth Front, Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owner and Drivers Association (MCTODA) and Hynñiewtrep Border Disputed Redressal Forum (HBDRF) also paid floral tributes at the park.
In Shillong, Khasi Students’ Union president Lambokstarwell Marngar emphasised Kiang Nangbah’s sacrifice and its relevance today, urging youth to follow his path. “His life reminds us of our collective responsibility towards the community. We must stand up against hardship and oppression,” Marngar said.
NESO chairman Samuel Jyrwa said Kiang Nangbah’s death anniversary underscores unresolved issues, including the demand for Inner Line Permit (ILP) implementation and inclusion of the Khasi language under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Hynniewtrep Youth Council President Roy Kupar Synrem urged youth to draw inspiration from Kiang Nangbah’s resistance against British rule, amid challenges like unemployment and drug abuse.
The NPP, led by Hamletson Dohling and Donkupar War, also paid tribute, stressing the need to remember Kiang Nangbah’s courage beyond ceremony.
