A statue of U Tirot Sing Syiem – a legendary Khasi freedom fighter, was unveiled at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
U Tirot Sing Syiem was the first tribal Khasi ruler to rebel against the British Empire in 1829.
On January 13, 1833, the British forces treacherously captured him and kept him in captivity at Dhaka where he died on July 17, 1835.
His statue was inaugurated by the Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Art and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma,
Meghalaya Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Chairman of the Meghalaya State Planning Board (MSPB) Metbah Lyngdoh, KHADC EM Teiborlang Pathaw were also part of the state delegation led by the deputy CM.
The programme was jointly organised by the IGCC and the Department of Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
Speaking on the occasion, Sniawbhalang Dhar said, “It is indeed a proud moment for all Meghalayans as we participate and witness the inauguration of this iconic memorial to honor the brave heart – U Tirot Sing Syiem for his sacrifices.”
He said that the government of Meghalaya remains committed and would leave no stones unturned to honour the three freedom fighters of the state which also include U Kiang Nangbah and Pa Togan Sangma
“My deepest appreciation to the Ministry of Home Affairs government of India the High Commission of India to Bangladesh for its continuous and all round support which substantially contributed toward establishment of this very important memorial” said Dhar.
In his speech, Paul Lyngdoh said, “In attaining martyrdom U Tirot Sing symbolises the valour, the spirit, the bravery and heroism and also the fact that the Khasi chiefs came together right from Hima Shillong upto Rambrai, in those days when connectivity was a major problem. We could have so many of our chiefs, of our himas and of our states getting together in the form of a confederacy.”
U Tirot Sing Library was also introduced at the same location.
Two animated books on the life of U Tirot Sing Syiem were also released on the occasion.
Meghalaya will observe the 189th death anniversary of the freedom fighter this year.
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