From Our Correspondent
JOWAI: The Instrument of Accession which is a legal document executed by 25 Syiems or rulers of the Khasi States on August 17, 1948 wherein all rulers agreed to accede to the Dominion of India, has become a forgotten national commitment, informed John F Kharshiing in his meeting with Jaintia based NGOs and Dolloi (Elaka chiefs) of Jaintia Hills on Tuesday.
Kharshiing, Co-Chairman of State Planning Board and Chairman of the Grand Council of Chiefs said, “The Union government must fulfill its commitment by including the Instrument of Accession in the Constitution of India for the benefit of the people of Meghalaya.”
He further informed that if the Instrument of Accession is included in the Constitution of India, Meghalaya will have a special status as is the case with Jammu and Kashmir.
“The National Commission of Scheduled Tribe of India has issued an order to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to intervene in the same,” Kharshiing informed, adding that a delegation had met UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and has given a direction to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to look into the matter.
At the meeting, Kharshiing call upon NGOs in Jaintia hills and the Dolloi to pressure the Autonomous District Council (ADC) to frame an Act for every Elaka to get the power as per Para 11 of the Sixth Schedule.
