Unsung Heroes Detail

Tirot Sing, also known as U Tirot Sing Syiem was a Khasi chief in the early 19th century. He drew his lineage from the Syiemlieh clan and declared war and fought against British for attempts to take over control of the Khasi Hills.

Initially, the British and Tirot Sing came to an agreement –permission for the road project between Guwahati and Sylhet in lieu of regaining possession of the duars (passes into Assam). But,Balaram Singh, Raja of Ranee, disputed Tirot Sing's claims to the duars, and went ahead with a party of armed men to establish his claim.When news came that the British were reinforcing forces in Assam, Tirot Sing convened a durbar again and passed orders for the British to evacuate Nongkhlaw. The British did not pay any heed,and the Khasis attacked the British garrison in Nongkhlaw.

In the Anglo-Khasi War, the Khasis lacked firearms and had only swords, shields, bows and arrows. Therefore, they resorted to guerrilla activity, which dragged on for about four years. Tirot Sing was shot at by the British and had to hide in a cave. He was eventually captured by the British in January 1833 and deported to Dhaka.

His death anniversary, 17th July, is commemorated every year as a state holiday in Meghalaya.