Staff Reporter
SHILLONG:
Sein Raij Niamtre Shillong observed the 160th death anniversary of freedom fighter from Jaintia Hills U Kiang Nangbah on December 30.
An ossuary (Moo Booh Chyien) was also inaugurated at the Kambel Shullai Eco-friendly crematorium premises, Jaiaw by North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum.
In his speech, Nongrum said that only paying floral tribute is not enough but it is also important to follow in late Nangbah’s footsteps to ensure that the tribal community is protected.
Remembering Kiang Nangbah, he said that though the freedom fighter was a common man, yet he fought for the liberation of his countrymen.
He expressed gratitude to the Sein Raij for keeping traditions alive and called upon members of the Hynniewtrep – Khasi, Pnar, Bhoi, and War to be united.
The ossuary has been constructed at a cost of Rs 9 lakh.
Pointing out that while he is a politician, history without politics has no roots and politics without history has no fruit.
“Fifty years have passed. They have lied and deceived us by saying that they are law-makers. They are money-makers and not law makers,” he said.
Nongrum also recalled the time he went on a hunger strike in 2015 to implement the Village Administration Bill (VAB), saying that he was offered Rs 6 crore to end the agitation but he refused.
Among others who spoke at the programme was general secretary of Sein Raij, Dr Omarlin Kyndiah, who briefly presented a history on Kiang Nangbah.