Editor,
This refers to Fabian Lyngdoh’s, “New religious faiths in Khasi Society” (ST Feb 24, 2016). Whenever Fabian Lyngdoh writes about the traditional socio-religious beliefs of the Khasi Pnars it seems as if the writer nurses a grudge against his own kith and kin who are the followers of Niam KhasiNiamtre especially since the demand for minority status was made by them. I fail to understand why? I do not subscribe to his observation that the indigenous faith professed by us is in fact a new religious faith. Rather it is very much indigenous and traditional but like everything else and like every other faith and belief system ours too is marching along with time. It is unwarranted to have this vindictive perception about the indigenous faith. If changes in any form are adopted from any influences which are for the betterment of mankind whilst also catering to the need of the times then should it be given an entirely new name and faith? For instance as long as we do not follow the cut- throat policy of the ISIS, one does not see any wrong if we draw strength for good purposes be it making annual pilgrimages to Lumsohpetbneng or a practice currently adopted by the Pnars of keeping of the remains of the deceased (Buh Chyien/Thep Mawbah) here in Shillong instead of taking them to Jowai as was previously done. These are only some of the new concepts amongst others adopted by us. As long as what is done is for the spiritual, mental and physical goodness of all as well as to meet the requirements of the present there is nothing wrong. For instance the use of musical instruments like the guitars, the drums, the keyboard in every church and denomination during their services is fairly recent. If this transition serves the purpose of worship there is absolutely nothing wrong with it and these changes have taken place to fit into the present scenario. Truly speaking one has nothing against this new addition.
But to suggest that our traditional religion should be called a new faith just because we are moving with the times and to suit the present circumstances is farfetched. With due respect to Soso Tham and Dr. Homiwell Lyngdoh and what their personal opinions may have been about Syiem Simpah Simsong who would bear all the sins of mankind, as a Pnar one can vouch that our faith teaches us to bear the consequences of our deeds. We do not have anyone to atone for our sins. This is the opinion of the two gentlemen and not a Biblical truth. According to the teachings of the indigenous Niamtre, if we do good we reap the fruits of goodness, piety and honesty and if we sin we bear the brunt of our sins. There is nobody who would share our sins. Why would anyone do that for that matter? We the Pnars never expect or wait for the coming of a messiah who will lead the human souls to the house of God. That is why we always weigh the pros and cons before embarking on anything. Let me clarify that we of the Niam Khasi Niamtre do not impose our faith and beliefs on others. In fact conversion holds no worth for us. We never convert anybody to our faith. Rather it is mostly our Khasi Pnar people who have been converted to different religions. To conclude, I wish to affirm that ours is a traditional faith called Niam KhasiNiamtre and we do not wish to have any other faith and denominations within us. We are one and we are proud of who we are and the fact is that we stand tall and firm on the foundation of our indigenous faith. I can proudly say that we the Niam Khasi Niamtre have only one religion and we will never subscribe to being a new faith whatsoever. And yes with regards to learning to respect others and restricting our faith to ourselves, we have always been taught to “maya iei iong i dahi burom iei iong kiwi” (love what is yours and respect what belongs to the others).
Yours etc.,
Jennifer Dkhar,
Via emai