JOWAI, DEC 30: In order to preserve the legacy of the Jaintia legendary freedom fighter – U Kiang Nangbah, a Rs 4.8 crore project for setting up the first of its kind museum in his memories was proposed by the Kiang Nangbah Iasiat Khnam Memorial Society (KNIKMS).
“The museum to be named after him (U Kiang Nangbah) will showcase the history of the life and struggle of this great freedom fighter,” society president Jait-da-oo Sumer said at the sidelines of a grand function to commemorate the 155th death anniversary of U Kiang Nangbah held here on Saturday.
He informed that the society is preparing to document the place where U Kiang Nangbah was captured by the British at Umkara, a place located near Khanduli village along the inter-state border with Assam in West Jaintia Hills District.
“The museum will also document the birth place and also the place where the freedom fighter was hanged to death at Iawmusiang, Jowai besides the weapons used by him,” Sumer said.
According to him, the objective is not only to educate the younger generation about the contribution of the freedom fighter towards freeing the indigenous people from the British rule but it will also promote the place as the most favourite tourism destination.
He said that the project with an estimated cost of Rs 4.8 crore is proposed to be constructed at Madiah Kmai Blai – a ground which was later renamed as Kiang Nangbah Memorial Park, Syntu Ksiar – where the statue of the great martyr has been erected.
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.
Asked, Sumer however lamented on the delay of the state government to approve the project which was submitted by the society two years ago.
“We urged the state government to consider the proposal at the earliest as a mark of tribute to this great martyr from the region,” he said while informing that the society had also submitted a similar proposal to the Centre government through the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) earlier this year.
On the other hand, the society president also informed that they are also proposing to turn the ground into a traditional archery field besides introducing boating to further promote tourism at Syntu Ksiar (Golden flower).
It may be mentioned here, the Kiang Nangbah Iasiat Khnam Memorial Society (KNIKMS) which was formed way back in 1966, has been observing the Kiang Nangbah Day every year for the past 51 years.
According to the legends, Kiang Nangbag 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.
The British had subjugated the indigenous people of the region. Raja Rajendra Singh of Jaintiapur, a Jaintia king then, 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 which he stoically declined.
The British then imposed taxes on the people and this gave birth to the legendary martyr who resolved to oust them for good.
Earlier, the superintendent of police (SP) of West Jaintia Hills District Vivek Syiem was the chief guest on the occasion. Speakers at the gathering recalled the contribution of U Kiang Nangbah towards freeing the indigenous community from the British rule.
As part of commemorating the day, marathon, slow bike racing, stunts were also organized by the Union of Straight Brothers, an organization of young bikers from the region.
By Our Reporter
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