Shillong (Meghalaya), Aug 6: Unruly mob on Tuesday attacked the Indian Cultural Centre in Bangladesh capital Dhaka and destroyed a bust of U Tirot Sing Syiem, a Khasi chief who was one of India’s first freedom fighters.
The entire building was burnt by the unruly mob on Tuesday , Aug 5 .The museum was dedicated to Sheikh Hasina’s father Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman who was killed while serving as president in 1975 .
In a tweet, CM Sangma stated: “I strongly condemn the vandalization of the bust of U Tirot Sing Syiem, the braveheart of Khasi Hills and freedom fighter of Meghalaya at the Indian Cultural Centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Urge local authorities to take creative measures to avoid further escalation.”
Visuals of the attack emerged on social media and went viral across social media platforms in Meghalaya drawing condemnation from several quarters.
The bust was unveiled on February 16 last and was funded by the Indian government to honour Syiem’s contributions to the independence movement.
U Tirot Sing Syiem’s legacy is marked by his pivotal role in the fight against colonial oppression. On April 4, 1829, he initiated a daring attack on the British Garrison at Nongkhlaw, signaling a relentless resistance against foreign rule. This act sparked a fierce four-year-long conflict between the resolute Khasi soldiers, led by U Tirot Sing Syiem, and the British forces, ultimately leading to his martyrdom in Dhaka.
