West Khasi Hills: Land of the bravehearts
WKH shaped Meghalaya’s socio-political history through great leaders, writes Daniel Stone Lyngdoh
By the end of British rule, the concept had already taken root in the minds of the indigenous people, who adopted the West Khasi Hills in 1976, four years after Meghalaya’s statehood. People from West Khasi Hills called themselves ngi dei ki nong west. For years following statehood, West Khasi Hills was considered a backward district, and people from the region were seen as illiterate and impoverished. And this was the bitter truth, for the region barely had any semblance of development.
However, the region’s contribution to the state’s history is extraordinary. Over the last two centuries, the area has produced some of the bravest leaders who shaped the politico-social history of Meghalaya and steered the state’s present progress.
Bravehearts of West Khasi Hills
Since the formation of the West Khasi Hills district in 1976, two more districts have been carved out of it. These are the South West Khasi Hills in 2012 and the Eastern West Khasi Hills in 2021. Nevertheless, all these areas come under one umbrella of the district Jong Ki Nong West. To understand the significance of this western part of the Khasi Hills, one has to delve into history and go back in time when tribal chiefs and kings reigned.
The West Khasi Hills area produced some of the indomitable spirits — like Tirot Sing Syiemlieh, a Khasi king during the colonial period, Monbhut Wahlang, Tirot Sing’s confidant, and freedom fighters Lorshon Jarain and Khein Kongor — who braved all adversities to uphold the tribe’s rights.
The region also had leaders like Sngap Singh Syiemlieh, the last Khasi king, who fought against British tyranny at a time when other Khasi chiefs retreated.
And who could forget the contributions of Phan Nonglait, the illustrious woman freedom fighter from Nongrmai village in Hima Nongkhlaw, who also fought against the British. She was the first female leader to spearhead a resistance movement against the colonial power.
Modern-day heroes
In modern times, too, the West Khasi Hills had birthed rebels who stood their ground against the high-handedness of the governance system of an independent India. Among them was Deputy Syiem (Syiem Khynnah) Wickliffe Syiem of Hima Nongstoin, who envisioned an independent Khasi land and refused to sign the Instrument of Accession Act. However, other Khasi Syiems betrayed him. He was forced to leave his homeland and take refuge in erstwhile East Pakistan.
Later, during the Hill State Movement, Hoping Stone Lyngdoh of West Khasi Hills was instrumental in organising volunteers in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills. He was steadfast in his demand for a full-fledged hill state and rejected any piecemeal offer from the central government. It was his strong opposition and black-flag resistance that finally prompted the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to relent to the demand and declare Meghalaya as a separate state.
Hoping Stone Lyngdoh left behind a legacy as the father of the Hill State Movement. He never shied away from speaking the truth, and his courage inspired many modern-day leaders.
Bridging gaps
As Meghalaya marks 53 years of statehood, the West Khasi Hills region stands as a testament to progress and perseverance. Over the decades, this region has bridged the gaps that once set it apart, rising to be on par with other districts of Meghalaya in the political, educational and social spheres. In doing so, it has played a pivotal role in strengthening and empowering the state as a whole.
‘Ki Nong West’: Defenders of the jaitbynriew
It is often said that truth needs no defence, yet no one can deny that the people of the West Khasi Hills have long been the defenders of the jaitbynriew — the Khasi community. Time and again, leaders from this region, particularly student leaders, have stood tall in the face of adversity. They have spoken the truth fearlessly, never bowed to pressure and upheld the virtues of honesty, courage and integrity.
The ‘Ki Nong West’, as they are fondly called, have earned a reputation as men and women of principle — those who never sell their conscience for convenience and who remain steadfast in protecting the collective rights and identity of their people. Their actions echo the age-old saying: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
A legacy carved in resilience
Looking back at Meghalaya’s political history — from its formative years to the present—it is evident that the people of West Khasi Hills have always carried the torch of diligence and integrity. Though it may sound like a bold claim, it is one rooted in truth: the spirit of hard work and moral steadfastness has long defined this region.
Today, the united identity of the West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills and Eastern West Khasi Hills stands as an embodiment of Meghalaya’s enduring values. Their contribution, stretching back to time immemorial, continues to hold a vital place in the state’s journey towards unity, progress and self-determination.
(Daniel Stone Lyngdoh is an advocate of the Government of Meghalaya in the Supreme Court. He has authored multiple books in Khasi and English)
