Shillong, July 17: Rich tributes were paid here today to U Tirot Sing Syiem on his 179th death anniversary.

Tirot Sing, the syiem (chief) of Hima Nongkhlaw in West Khasi Hills, is recognised as the foremost freedom fighter in Khasi hills.

On April 2, 1829, he and his men attacked a British garrison, giving rise to the Anglo-Khasi War. Most of the English soldiers were killed in that attack but the Khasi bravehearts could not endure the might of the British army. Tirot Sing was captured and deported to Dhaka where he died on July 17, 1835.

Student bodies like the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), North East Students’ Organisation (Neso), and political parties like the BJP (Meghalaya unit) paid tributes to the Khasi chief at U Tirot Sing indoor stadium and U Tirot Sing memorial on the premises of the U Soso Tham auditorium. Similar tributes were also paid at Hima Nongkhlaw in West Khasi Hills.

On the occasion, a group of youths, most of whom had left the KSU, announced the formation of the Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC). Council convener Donboklang Kharlyngdoh, who had served the KSU until a few months ago, released the council flag today.