SHILLONG: The Centre has asked the State Government to look into the implementation of Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement signed on August 17, 1948, by the Khasi chiefs for constitutional recognition and protection of the traditional institutions.
This was informed by Sanjay Kumar, Under Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, in a letter dated October 14, addressed to John F Kharshiing, Co-Chairman, Meghalaya State Planning Board, and Chairman, the Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya.
As per the treaty, the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo chiefs and their administrative institutions of self-government must find constitutional space through provision of a separate party-less legislative body meant specifically for the traditional tribal village (Dorbar Shnong), province (Dorbar Raid) and State (Dorbar Hima) to ensure that their customary and social rights over legislative, executive and judicial authority are protected and defined in the Constitution of India under a special article.
Earlier, Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary, NE, Ministry of Home Affairs, had also sent a similar request to the State Government on July 18, 2012, and subsequently, the Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya had then taken up the matter and written to the Chief Minister on May 23, 2013.
A delegation of traditional institutions of Meghalaya had met Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs, in New Delhi on August 26 this year, and Jual Oram, Union Minister, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, on September 24, in this regard.
The Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya and Federation of Khasi States will be meeting the State Government to discuss the necessary amendments required to address the constitutional anomaly which has been pending for the last six decades.
