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| Wickliffe Syiem |
Wickliffe Syiem was a Deputy King (Syiem Khynnah) of Hima Nongstoin. He was born in Nongstoin on August 15, 1909. He earned an engineering degree from the College of Engineering and Technology, Baroda, in Gujarat, becoming the first engineer from the Khasi community.
Wickliffe Syiem worked tirelessly to secure autonomous status for Nongstoin during his lifetime. On January 13, 1948, he declared Nongstoin a Khasi Sovereign State. As a deputy king with a vision for the welfare of the Jaidbynriew Hynniewtrep, he fought to maintain Ri Hynniewtrep as a princely independent state during the British departure from the Khasi-Jaintia Hills. He strongly opposed India’s plan to merge Hynniewtrep land with the Dominion of India.
While Wickliffe and his colleagues were drafting the Constitution for Nongstoin through the establishment of a Constituent Assembly, the Indian government under Prime Minister Nehru deployed a large number of troops to capture King Kñi Sibsing Syiem. The king was then coerced into signing the Instrument of Accession against his will. However, Sibsing Syiem signed the Instrument of Accession with the condition that he was surrendering only three subjects: Defence, External Affairs, and Communications. This meant that Hynniewtrep land would transfer its administration to India only in matters of defence, foreign relations, and communications. Apart from these three subjects, Hynniewtrep would retain its own political administration over its people. Therefore, the Prime Minister and the King signed the Standstill Agreement to abide by the Instrument of Accession under these three subjects until further notification.
However, shortly afterwards, the Indian government unilaterally struck down the Standstill Agreement without notifying the Khasi States and forcefully merged them with India without signing the Instrument of Merger.
As a result, slogans were raised in many protests and agitations against India’s dictatorial rule over the Jaidbynriew Hynniewtrep. The slogan read: “Indian by Force, Khasi by Blood.”
In the aftermath, the Indian government restricted Wickliffe’s movement, preventing him from entering Hynniewtrep territory. Wickliffe never surrendered easily. He urged the Indian government to restore Hynniewtrep land as it was before. However, the Indian government gave him a stern warning and banned him from entering Hynniewtrep territory without prior permission. He would be punished according to Indian law and jurisdiction if he did not abide by Indian rule. Amidst the tension and anger, he swore never to set foot on any Indian territory; but if he wished to do so, he would come as a conqueror.
“I will never set foot on any part of the Indian territory; if I wish to do so, I’ll come as a conqueror.” ~ Wickliffe Syiem.
Since then, he left Hynniewtrep land and lived in Bangladesh for survival. While living in Bangladesh, he continued to seek ways to free Hynniewtrep. He urged, criticized, and never remained silent against the dictatorial rule of the Indian government over our land. Although his struggles and grievances were in vain, he paved the way for us to wake up, rise, and reclaim our stolen freedom.
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| Wickliffe Syiem |
Therefore, judging by his way of life, we understand that he was the founder of Hynniewtrep Nationalism. Like U Tirot Sing and U Kiang Nangbah, Wickliffe Syiem was also one of the freedom fighters that the Jaidbynriew Hynniewtrep ever had. Until his last breath, he opposed the Hindustani country without surrendering. He died on 21 October 1988 in Bangladesh as a king rather than as a slave in India.
Thus, October 21 is observed as the Death Anniversary of U Syiem Wickliffe, the Founder of Hynniewtrep Nationalism. While he may be unknown to others, for us, the Hynniewtrep, he was a true Khasi patriot who never surrendered to the mighty force of Hindustan.
Points to consider:
1. Hynniewtrep Land/ Khasi State - The land of the Khasis and Jaintia people under the authority of Kings
Note: The Khasi States did not signed the Instrument of Merger with India yet. Perhaps, it is the only States which did not sign this agreement. (Thought provoking)
References & Souces:
1. U Wickliffe Syiem written by T. Rngaid
2. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/khasi-kingdoms-to-revisit-1947-agreements/article26945820.ece
