Shillong: Rich tributes were paid to U Tirot Sing, the legendary Khasi patriot king on his 186th death anniversary on Saturday, the day was also commemorated as part of the “Azadi ka Amrut
Mahotsav”, celebrating 75 years of India’s independence.
“Today we remember one of the early heroes of the freedom fighting movement, U Tirot Sing Syiem who fought relentlessly till his last breath to prevent Khasi Hills from falling into the hands of the British colonizers,” tweeted Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
Power Minister James Sangma, who laid floral wreaths at the statue of legendary freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem at Madan Ïewrynghep, tweeted : “U Syiem Tirot Sing was an epitome of bravery, valour & integrity. He was a great leader who stood his ground, spoke the voice of his people & defended their rights with his life. To him, the rights of his people are paramount & that is a lesson that all of us must imbibe.”
The State Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Meghalaya Model United Nations organized a wreath laying ceremony in front of the statue of U Tirot Sing at Fire Brigade Ground here.
Paying homage to the sacrifice and valour of U Tirot Sing Syiem, who valiantly led a revolt against colonial rule, Secretary Department of Arts and Culture, Frederick Roy Kharkongor reminded the gathering about the supreme sacrifice of other freedom fighters of the Anglo-Khasi War.
“The tribal resistance led by U Tirot Sing and other unsung heroes like Kiang Nangbah and Pa Togan Snagma formed an integral part of the rich narrative of tribal resistance which in actuality was a precursor to the Indian National movement,” he said.
