BJP pays tribute to Khasi freedom fighter

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, AUG 9: The Bharatiya Janata Party today paid rich tribute to a Khasi legendary freedom fighter as part of celebrating the 75 years of Quit India Movement.

BJP national general secretary (organization) Ram Lal paid floral tribute to the U Tirot Sing Syiem at his statue build by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) at Fire Brigade here in the presence of state party president Shibun Lyngdoh, leaders and functionaries.

Ram Lal is in the state capital on a three-day visit to the state for strengthening the party and its activities ahead of the crucial 2018 Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the celebration, Lyngdoh, while translating Ram Lal’s statement said, that he has chosen to visit and pay tribute to U Tirot Sing Syiem as part of the celebration.

He said that the national general secretary also send a message to the youth of today on the need for them to know about the contribution and sacrifices made by such freedom fighters towards enabling the country to attain its freedom.

Asked, the BJP state president categorically denied that the occasion was related to the party’s strategy ahead of the forthcoming elections. “This (celebration) has got nothing to do with the elections,” he said.

He further stated that in the past, the BJP had also paid similar tributes to all the freedom fighters from the state who have fought against the British rule. “We are celebrating not only before elections. Last year too, Union Minister of State for DONER Jitendra Singh also visited Nongkhlaw village – the birth place of U Tirot Sing as a mark of paying tribute to the legendary fighter,” he said.

From the state, Lyngdoh said the party leaders also paid rich tribute to Patogan Sangma in Garo Hills and U Kiang Nangbah in Syntu Ksiar, West Jaintia Hills.

Asked, the state president said that the purpose of national general secretary’s visit was to strengthen the party in the state and see that it is working according to the direction of the central leadership.

It may be mentioned here, the Quit India Movement or the India August Movement, was a movement launched at the Bombay session of the All-India Congress Committee by Mahatma Gandhi on 8 August 1942, during World War II, demanding an end to British Rule of India.