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| Wickliffe Syiem |
While Wickliffe and his colleagues were drafting the Constitution for Nongstoin through the establishment of a Constituent Assembly, the Indian government under the regime of 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 unwillingly. However, Sibsing Syiem signed the Instrument of Accession with the negotiation of surrendering only the three subjects: Defense, External Affairs, and Communication. This meant that Hynniewtrep land would transfer its administration to India only in matters of defense, foreign relations, and communication with other countries. Apart from these three subjects, Hynniewtrep would have 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 applied. However, shortly after, 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 free 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 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 to live 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 Hynñiewtrep 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 without surrendering to the Hindustani Country. He died on the 21st October 1988 in Bangladesh as a King rather than a slave in India.
Thus, October 21st is observed as the Death Anniversary of U Syiem Wickliffe, the Founder of Hynniewtrep Nationalism. While he may be unknown to others, but for us, the Hynniewtrep, he was a true Khasi patriot who never surrendered to the mighty force of Hindustani.
Points to consider:
- What kind of government requires us to have a permit in our own land? Isn’t this an abuse of power by the Indian government?
- Most importantly, are we truly independent when our roots are severed and masked by false identities?
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
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