Shillong: Meghalaya observed the 162nd death anniversary of U Kiang Nangbah, a revered freedom fighter who led a valiant rebellion against British rule in the Jaintia Hills.
The state united to honor his sacrifice and celebrate his enduring legacy as a symbol of resistance and hope for the oppressed.
Born in Tpep-Pale, U Kiang Nangbah grew up during a time of significant upheaval. The British annexation of the Jaintia Hills in 1835 marked the beginning of a colonial regime that imposed harsh socio-political and economic changes on the region.
These experiences left a profound impact on the young Nangbah, shaping his resolve to challenge the British and fight for the rights of his people.
Nangbah’s leadership became evident during the First War of Indian Independence in 1857. Determined to inspire his community, he gathered locals at the banks of the Syntu Ksiar River, urging them to rise against colonial oppression.
His leadership gained momentum as the British intensified their interference, imposing taxes and disrupting traditional customs. The situation reached a tipping point in 1860 with the introduction of a housing tax, prompting the Jaintia tribes to unite under Nangbah’s command.
The resistance, led with strategic brilliance, adopted guerrilla warfare tactics to undermine British authority. Nangbah’s forces attacked a British police station, destroying weapons and paralyzing administration in the region. The rebels built stockades, stored resources, and crafted traditional weapons, waging a relentless fight with bows, arrows, swords, and shields.
The British responded with full-scale military operations to suppress the uprising. Despite his leadership and the determination of his followers, Nangbah was captured on December 27, 1862, after falling ill and being betrayed by an informant. Three days later, he was executed by hanging, leaving behind a legacy of defiance and courage.
As he faced the gallows, Nangbah delivered a prophetic message: “Brothers and sisters, please look carefully on my face when I die on the gallows. If my face turns towards the east, my country will be free from the foreign yoke within 100 years, and if it turns towards the west, my country will remain in bondage for good.” True to his words, his head turned eastward after his execution, a moment that continues to inspire generations.
The people of Meghalaya honor U Kiang Nangbah as a hero who stood steadfast against injustice, with his legacy serving as a guiding light for those who resist oppression and strive for freedom.
Read More: Assam: Woman Escapes Alleged Murder Attempt Outside Dispur Police Station