On the banks of the Myntdu river in the Syntu Ksiar Valley on a field known as "Madiah Kmal Blai" stands a monument dedicated to Kiang Nongbah. Kiang Nongbah, a Jaintia patriot during British rule died as a martyr for the cause of Indian liberation from British rule. The last words uttered by him from the scaffold before the public hanging on 30th Dec. 1862 had remained true. "If my face turns eastwards when I die, we shall be free again within a hundred years. If it turns westward, we shall be enslaved forever."

64 kms from Shillong is the administrative headquarters of Jaintia Hills as well as the commercial centre. It is situated alongside the Myntdu river which encircles two thirds of this over expanding township. The statue was unveiled at the busy civil point junction here today marking his 152nd death anniversary. Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council chief executive member Adelbert Nongrum unveiled the statue, which was built by the Khasi Students Union in the presence of a huge crowd who paid homage to the legendary freedom fighter.

U Kiang Nangbah, who led an uprising against the British, was condemned and hanged publicly at Iawmusiang in Jowai town in West Jaintia Hills district on December 30, 1862.

A government college was opened at Jowai in 1967 in his honour and a postage stamp was also issued to commemorate him in 2001.On the Occasion of his 148th Martyrdom which is usually observe in different parts of Meghalaya today the 30th of Dec 2010. Kiang Nongbah was hanged to death in Jowai his birth place by the Britishers in the year 1862.

Kiang Nongbah Monument

On that day like today the history of his bravery, determination plus his spirit of love for the freedom of his Motherland was always remembered as a memorable Landmark in history also his valour and dignity who stood and fought against the mighty British Raj.