Shillong: The Khasi Students' Union on Saturday changed the name of Lady Hydari Park to Phan Nonglait Park here and alleged that the Meghalaya government has failed to honour Phan Nonglait, the first Khasi woman who revolted against the British during the time of freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem between 1829 and 1833.

The union observed the 155th death anniversary of U Kiang Nangbah at the monument built by the union a few years ago opposite the Shillong civil hospital.

U Kiang Nangbah also fought against the British and played a significant role in inspiring the Khasi-Pnar community for a brave attempt to drive away the British from Jaintia hills in the war of 1862-63.

The British annexed the erstwhile Jaiñtia kingdom in 1835. U Kiang Nangbah defied the British might with hit-and-run tactics from jungle hideouts. The British managed to capture him while he was lying sick on December 27, 1862.

On December 30 that year, he was hanged publicly at Jowai. From the scaffold, he addressed his countrymen loud and clear.

His last words were: "If my face turns eastwards when I die on the rope, we shall be free within 100 years. If it turns westwards, we shall be enslaved forever."

His words were prophetic. The dying patriot's face turned to the east and India became free in less than 100 years.

The British had to leave the country, making U Kiang Nangbah a patriot.

After the gathering, the KSU members marched towards the park and smeared green paint on the name "Lady Hydari" Park after which they changed the name to "Phan Nonglait" Park.

KSU general secretary Donald V. Thabah said the union had to rename the park as the state government failed to do so, though it had decided a few years back to change the park's name.

The park is a tourist spot in Shillong. It was dedicated to the erstwhile First Lady (wife of former governor of Assam Sir Muhammad Saleh Akbar Hydari) when Shillong was under the administration of Assam during the British rule.

This sprawling park has a wide variety of flora and a mini zoo.