Shillong: Former Khasi Students Union leader Donald Thabah is pressuring the Meghalaya government to dump outdated colonial laws. He wants the state to grant Khasis the legal right to carry traditional weapons again. Thabah issued this challenge on Friday during the 191st death anniversary of U Tirot Sing Syiem.
History is on the line. Thabah argues that the British forced these prohibitions on the Khasi people, and those rules have stayed on the books far too long. In the days before colonial rule, local warriors regularly carried the waitlam sword, suloi tynsah rifle, khnam spear, ryntieh bow, and stieh shield. Now, the community feels left behind.
Thabah pointed out a double standard regarding other groups living in Meghalaya. Those communities already carry items like the khukri and talwar under official recognition. He stated, “If members of other communities living in Meghalaya are permitted to carry these ceremonial weapons, then the state government should also allow the Khasi people to carry their traditional weapons.”
The push is about identity. Thabah looked back at the First Anglo-Khasi War, spanning from 1829 to 1833, to highlight the bravery of U Tirot Sing Syiem and Bormanik Syiem. He insists this demand focuses on keeping their heritage alive instead of inciting any violence.
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