Govt to examine demand for removal of controversial Khasi book

SHILLONG: The State government has asserted that it will examine the request from Seng Khasi Mawsynram to the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) to remove a book titled Dienjat ki Longshwa written by Fr. J. Bacchiarello SDB from Italy, from its syllabus for allegedly showing in poor light the culture and beliefs of the Khasis.
Secretary, Education department and MBOSE Chairman E.P. Kharbhih on Monday informed that he has been alerted on the matter and the matter will be examined.
“We have nothing to say at the moment but we will discuss it,” he said.
The Seng Khasi Mawsynram has urged the MBOSE to remove the book for allegedly defaming the culture and beliefs of the Khasis.
In a complaint filed to the MBOSE Chairman, president of Seng Khasi Mawsynram,  Batistalang Myrthong and secretary, Bidi Myrthong said that the State government is attempting to preach and spread Christianity among students who practice traditional religion.
The Seng Khasi Mawsynram asked the State government to either remove the book completely from the MBOSE syllabus or to at least remove chapter numbers 4, 12, 14, 17, 21, 24, 25, 49, 50, 51, 52 and 53.
It also advocated incorporation of books on indigenous religion like Ka Risaw Ka Niam Khasi and Ka Theology jong ka Niam Khasi written by H. Onderson Mawrie in MBOSE syllabus along with the Vedas and the Ramayana.