U Tirot Singh remembered

From A Reporter

SHILLONG, July 17: The 181th death anniversary of the legendary Khasi freedom fighter U Tirot Singh was observed in the city on Sunday as people from all walks of life paid tributes to the freedom fighter.

Members of various NGOs and political parties laid wreaths at the memorial of U Tirot Singh at Laitumkhrah Police point – Fire Brigade.

The Khasi Student Union (KSU) felt that the “confrontation” faced by the State today is identical to the challenges faced by the Khasi freedom fighter from Hima Nongkhlaw in his quest to gain freedom from British rule.

Speaking to reporters, KSU general secretary Auguster Jyrwa said, “The British Government had requested for permission to construct a road which had its ramifications in the Khasi states. Today, there is the contentious issue of uranium mining and the Central government is trying to pave their way into the State with the Nongstoiñ-Wahkaji-Mawthabah road project.”

“We do not want the same story of harassment and violence by other communities to be repeated in the present times as undoubtedly the road project is to facilitate uranium mining in the region,” he added.

He stated if the Central government gives its green sigl to the road project, the pressure groups will be ready to face the challenge. However, he mentioned that for the time being, the organization will settle for public meetings to make the people aware about the road project.

“I want to urge all the members of KSU units, circles from various districts to be prepared in order to thwart any plans of the State government to mine uranium,” he said.

K.S. Rani, vice president, HNYF, said, “The State government is trying to dole out developmental schemes but the eventual target is to mine uranium. The two-lane is unnecessary for the region and we urge the KHADC to not issue NoC for uranium mining.”

During the programme, the KSU, FKJGP, HNYF and regiol political parties which include UDP, KHM paid tributes to the freedom fighter at Madan Iewrynghep, Laitumkhrah.

Former KSU leader Paul Lyngdoh, currently a member of UDP party, said, “A community that does not remember its freedom fighters is an immature community and it is necessary to instill the love for one’s own community.”

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