Seng Khasis demand recognition as minorities in M’laya

SHILLONG: The Seng Khasi has sought a clarification from Meghalaya Chief Secretary Barkos Warjri on the alleged deprivation of its rights of being a minority community.
Seeking clarification from the chief secretary on the definition of ‘minority’, a recent letter addressed to Warjri by Seng Khasi Kenmynsaw Syntein, Mawsynram Syiemship said that as per the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, six religious communities were identified as minorities.
“The Act clearly specifies that Christians in Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland are not minorities. Then  why our Khasi religion (Niam Tynrai/ Niam Khasi) which aims to preserve and practice the tradition, religion, culture and customs of the indigenous Khasi tribe of Meghalaya, are not getting our    rights as minorities in the State,” questioned B. Myrthong, secretary, Seng Khasi Kenmynsaw Syntein.
Earlier, the deputy secretary, Rural Housing Division, Ministry of Rural Development, had written to the Secretary, Department of Rural Development, on who can avail Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) schemes.
“It has been observed from the Awaas soft reports for the year 2013-14 that the State has reported Christians as minorities. You must be aware that under the National Commission for Minorities Act 1992, six religious communities were identified as minorities. The Act clearly specifies that Christians in the States of Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland are not minorities”, the deputy secretary said in the letter to the Meghalaya government.
The official further said that the “personnel in the districts/ blocks involved in the implementation of IAY should be made aware of this and follow the direction while reporting progress under the scheme in the future”.