Shillong: The Meghalaya government has officially petitioned the new administration in Bangladesh to rebuild the memorial of Khasi hero U Tirot Sing Syiem. The monument, which stood at the entrance of the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka, was destroyed when the building was torched during the violent uprising that recently ousted the country's previous government.
Arts and Culture Principal Secretary FR Kharkongor confirmed that the state government raised the issue during a meeting between Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and the Bangladesh High Commissioner. Officials have since submitted a formal request to ensure the memorial is re-erected.
"Since there is a new regime now, we will continue to hold dialogue on the matter," Kharkongor said. The state government remains committed to ensuring the interim authorities in Dhaka provide proper recognition to the historical leader.
U Tirot Sing, the King of Nongkhlaw, died in Dhaka as a political prisoner in 1835 after spearheading a fierce resistance against British colonial expansion. Nearly 190 years later, the site remains a profound symbol of cultural pride for the people of the Khasi Hills.
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