SHILLONG: The Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya comprising Ka Dorbar Ki Khlieh Nongsynshar ka Ri Hynniewtrep, Federation of Khasi States, Ki Sirdarship, Ka Dorbar Ki Dolloi and Council of Nokmas, met here on Thursday and deliberated at length on the proposed Amendments to the Sixth Schedule by the Centre.
The Federation of Khasi States resolved to remind the Centre to expedite the fulfillment of the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement signed on August 17, 1948, and its inclusion within the Constitution of India under Article 370 A.
The Federation also recalled that it had sent copies of the memorandum to BJP leaders and also to the BJP Meghalaya unit and was awaiting response from them.
The Federation also expressed its surprise at the contents of the letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs which had made “objectionable and insulting comments” against the institution of the Dorbar Shnong terming them undemocratic and unconstitutional and suggesting ‘adult suffrage’ within the traditional institutions. The federation also questioned the silence and inaction from the concerned authorities such as the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council in this regard.
“These unwarranted comments have only exposed and confirmed the true perspective view and lack of knowledge of the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Sixth Schedule and poses a serious question on the idea of protecting the constitutional rights of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo people under the Sixth Schedule,” the Federation added.
The Federation also deliberated on the letter from the Government of Meghalaya to the Ministry of Home Affairs sent in January, 2016, expressing concern that serious conflicts could arise if there were attempts to undermine the traditional Institutions in Meghalaya, as they enjoyed the confidence of the people.
The Federation of Khasi States called on the KHADC and the Government of Meghalaya to move respective resolutions regarding the fulfillment of the national commitment under the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement of August 17, 1948.
