Shillong: The Syiemlieh clan wants the state government to officially label Khasi freedom fighter Tirot Sing as Tirot Sing Syiemlieh. They claim the full name is necessary to safeguard his historical identity and lineage. Phrester Manik Syiem, the current Syiem of Hima Nongkhlaw, spoke to reporters on September 20 to confirm that oral history and tribal records prove the hero belonged to their clan.
The clan has appealed to Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai to issue a formal notification for the change. Tirot Sing served as the 10th Syiem of Hima Nongkhlaw. He took the throne in 1804 as a minor and assumed full command after turning 18. Trouble started when British East India Company official David Scott proposed building a road to link Kamrup with Sylhet through Nongkhlaw territory.
Tirot Sing convened a Dorbar to debate the project. It sat for two days and two nights before the group agreed to the road under specific conditions. Scott accepted those terms in an agreement. Phrester Manik Syiem noted, "Tirot Sing Syiemlieh convened a Dorbar that sat for two days and two nights before agreeing to the road on conditions laid down by the Hima."
Relations soured quickly. Tensions spiked over the alleged harassment of locals and the mistreatment of women and children. This sparked an open confrontation with the British. The clan now demands this recognition to ensure the historical record remains accurate for future generations.
Comments