Shillong, December 01, 2026: Various pressure groups, including the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO), Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) and the North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), on Monday paid floral tributes at the statue of U Woh Kiang Nangbah at Civil Point on Tuesday to honour the legendary freedom fighter who laid down his life for the land and people.
Observing the 163rd martyrdom anniversary of U Woh Kiang Nangbah, leaders of the organisations strongly criticised both the State and Central Governments for failing to strengthen and effectively implement laws meant to safeguard indigenous people, their land and identity in Meghalaya.
They alleged that despite repeated assurances and rhetoric on protecting indigenous rights, the government has failed to take concrete and decisive steps to curb the unchecked influx of outsiders, which they said has adversely impacted the rights, livelihoods and land ownership of the indigenous population.
The leaders stressed that the sacrifice of U Woh Kiang Nangbah should not be confined to history books but must serve as a living reminder and a call to action to continue the struggle against injustice, exploitation and the gradual erosion of indigenous rights.
Concluding the programme, the pressure groups urged the government to act immediately by strengthening and strictly enforcing laws that protect indigenous communities, asserting that the sacrifice of martyrs like U Woh Kiang Nangbah must not be allowed to go in vain.
