Meghalaya CM Pays Homage to Freedom Fighter Tirot Sing on His 184th Death Anniversary

Shillong, July 17, 2019:

The people of Meghalaya are observing the 184th death anniversary of the legendary freedom fighter, Tirot Sing on July 17.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma took to Twitter to pay homage to the great hero. A tweet sent out from the NPP leader's official Twitter account read: "I join the people of Meghalaya in paying homage to the legendary warrior U Tirot Sing on his 184th death anniversary. His strong determination and supreme sacrifices for the freedom of the country will be remembered for generations to come."

Tirot Sing, also known as U Tirot Sing Syiem, was one of the chiefs of the Khasi people in the early 19th century. He drew his lineage from the Syiemlieh clan. He was Syiem of Nongkhlaw, part of the Khasi Hills and his surname was Syiem Lieh.

Tirot Sing declared war and fought against British attempts to take over control of the Khasi Hills.

Tirot Sing fought with native weapons such as a sword and shield. He was shot at by the British and had to hide in a cave. He was eventually captured by the British in January 1833 and deported to Dhaka.

The location of his hiding place was given by a chief of his who was bribed with gold coins by the British. He died on 17 July 1835. His death anniversary is commemorated every year as a state holiday in the state of Meghalaya.

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