Meghalaya: Raj Bhavan in Shillong adorned with portraits of freedom fighters

Guwahati: Portraits of 3 prominent freedom fighters from Meghalaya -- Pa Togan Sangma, U Tirot Sing Syiem and U Kiang Nangbah -- were unveiled today at the Raj Bhavan in capital city Shillong.

"It was a moment of pride to unveil the portraits of the Freedom Fighters of Meghalaya- Pa Togan Sangma, U Tirot Sing Syiem and U Kiang Nangbah at Raj Bhavan, #Shillong. This is a befitting tribute to our heroes who fought bravely for our State and our people", Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma later tweeted.

Pa Togan Sangma is one of the popular freedom fighters of the Garo community, who is best remembered for leading local Garo warriors in a battle against the British during their occupation of Garo Hills. In 1872, during the British occupation of Garo Hills in the present Indian state of Meghalaya, the local Garo tribe warriors were led by a young man called Togan Sangma.

Sangma's troops met the British troops at Rongrenggiri, but were outmatched by the superior firepower and discipline of the British army. He is remembered every year on June 12 and has been immortalized at the martyr's column in Shillong, where his name is enshrined along with U Tirot Sing and U Kiang Nongbah, the gallant heroes of the Khasis and Jaintias.

Tirot Sing, also known as U Tirot Sing Syiem born in the year 1802 and died in the year 1835, was one of the chiefs of the Khasi people in the early 19th century. He drew his lineage from the Syiemlieh clan. He was Syiem of Nongkhlaw, part of the Khasi Hills. Sing is one of the most popular historic figures from Meghalaya and citizens of the state commemorate him during his birth and death anniversaries each year.

Similarly, U Kiang Nangbah was a freedom fighter from Meghalaya who led an uprising against the British. He was hanged by the British publicly at Iawmusiang in Jowai town in West Jaintia Hills district on 30 December 1862. A postage stamp was issued by the Government of India to commemorate him in 2001. A government college was also opened at Jowai in 1967 in his honor.

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