Shillong: West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh stood by his claim that 10,000 Garo warriors backed the Syiem of Hima Nongkhlaw, Tirot Sing, during his rebellion against British rule. He hit back at social media critics on Friday. He insists his statements stem from rigorous study rather than a bid for public favor.
Lyngdoh pointed to his new essay collection, Hapdeng Ar Ki Thor, to prove his historical methodology. He relied on Major Adam White’s 1831 memoirs regarding David Scott. He also referenced Dr. Hamlet Bareh’s The History and Culture of the Khasi People from 1967 and J.N. Choudhury’s 1978 book, Khasi Canvas. The MLA takes his research seriously. He wants the truth told.
Choudhury’s account details how Tirot Sing sent 4,000 Garos to Sohra to seize Scott after the uprising broke out. Records also show Major White heard reports of 7,000 to 8,000 Garos holding the passes toward Assam. Dr. Bareh’s work confirms Garos from the north acted as an intelligence network. They tracked East India Company troop movements across the Assam plains.
Bareh further documented alliances with the Bhutias, the Singphos, and Ahom ruler Swargadeo Chandrakanta Singha of the Tungkhungia line. This fight spread past the Khasi Hills into Goalpara and the Mymensingh plains. Lyngdoh stated that this history proves the resistance was a broad alliance of indigenous groups, including the Mikirs. He told his critics, "History should not be treated as a fairy tale."
The legislator urged citizens to respect their past. He noted that today’s events will eventually become tomorrow’s history. He calls it a duty for anyone who claims to love their land.
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