SHILLONG: The Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya has raised their question on the viability of the Chiefs to be nominated as members of the District Council as recommended by the NDA – NCRWC Commission which was placed before Parliament during 2003.
They also sought an addressal of their issues through a new Thirteen Schedule for a separate Federal Council or Regional Council for the Chiefs and their representatives as proposed by the Federation of Khasi States.
During a meeting held on Friday in the office of the Dorbar at Lumjingsuk, Madanryting, the members discussed issues arising out of the meetings with Central Authorities in Delhi including meetings with Rahul Gandhi, MP.
John F Kharshiing, Chairman of the Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya briefed the authorities, relating, to the meetings and discussions with the Central Authorities in New Delhi who were keen to discuss regarding the issues raised by the Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya, which lasted for more than three hours.
The discussions revolved around the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement, 17 August 1948, its relevance and the lack of political space for the Chiefs within the Constitution of India.
In connection with the 3363 Khasi Pnar clans the Central Authorities were provided with a copy of the ‘The Khasi Hills Autonomous District (khasi social custom of Lineage) Act 1997′ which was assented by the Governor on February 25, 2005’, including other Acts passed by the KHADC.
The Dorbar reiterated their demands to the Government of India for inclusion of the IOA & AA within the Constitution of India, and that in accordance with the terms of the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement, a separate Regional Council or Federal Council as proposed through the Thirteen Schedule be incorporated for constitutional and political space for the traditional tribal governing institutions of self-government of Meghalaya.
