Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: The Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) erected two 15-foot statues in Laitarted, Nongthliew, on Friday. The monuments honour Khasi resistance leaders Bormanik Syiem and Sngap Sing Syiem. This enclave sits in the Eastern West Khasi Hills. It serves as the largest patriotic heritage site in the state.
The reveal fell on the 191st death anniversary of U Tirot Sing Syiem and the foundation day of the HYC. Niandro Syiemiong and Habapan Sing Syiem, Deputy Syiem of Hima Khyrim, unveiled the figures. Attendees included G. Kharlukhi of Hima Mylliem, HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem, general secretary Rhembor Saiborne, and vice president Donbok Kharlyngdoh. Social activists from the Jaintia and Garo Hills also gathered to mark the occasion.
Raphael Warjri of the Riti Academy led the project. Sculptors Banteilang Hynniewta, Returnwell Sutong, and Skhemlang Hynniewta built the statues. Local artisans Iallissing Mawrie, Bapynskhem Mawrie, and Batskhemlang Kharumnuid provided support. The site includes historical documentation prepared by the Riti Academy. HYC leaders stated the project exists to "preserve the legacy of the three Khasi resistance leaders and ensure that future generations remain aware of their contribution to the region's history and the struggle against colonial rule."
Bormanik Syiem of Hima Shyllong challenged the British East India Company in 1828 over land rights in Dimurua. He partnered with U Tirot Sing Syiem to fight colonial expansion. Tensions boiled over in April 1829 with the attack on the Nongkhlaw military station. This triggered the First Anglo-Khasi War.
Sngap Sing Syiem of Hima Maram fought the Second Anglo-Khasi War from 1835 to 1839. He used the rugged terrain of Nongnah for guerrilla campaigns. The British captured him in 1839. He later received amnesty and served as Syiem of Hima Maharam until he died in 1846.
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