Tributes paid to Jaintia freedom fighter Kiang Nangbah
Shillong, Dec 31: The Khasi Students Union (KSU) has vehemently criticised “external forces” for allegedly acting against the interest of the indigenous community.
“The British Empire hanged U Kiang Nangbah, but now external forces and traitors are trying to hang the entire indigenous community,” KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar said in his address at the commemoration of the 163rd death anniversary of legendary Jaintia freedom fighter U Kiang Nangbah on Wednesday.
Marngar highlighted the historical significance of Nangbah’s resistance against British colonial rule, drawing parallels to contemporary challenges.
He also slammed the Central government for allegedly delaying implementation of the inner line permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.
Emphasising urgent need for effective legal protections, particularly ILP in Meghalaya, he reminded that that even the state assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to extend ILP to the state.
“Sadly, instead of implementing ILP, the Centre has come up with laws that are against the interests of indigenous people.”
He criticized the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), asserting that it facilitates illegal immigration into the North‑East, and pointed to recent incidents of violence against Christians during Christmas celebrations as evidence of systemic disregard for minority rights.
He also addressed broader issues affecting the state, including border disputes, education, and employment, and criticized state leaders for neglecting public welfare in favour of political interests.
