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, the Council of Nokmas, has threatened to move the United Nations and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if the Centre attempts to dilute traditional institutions in the state.
Talking to media persons in Shillong on Friday, Federation of Khasi State spokesperson John F Kharshiing said the traditional bodies in a recent meeting had a discussion on the proposed Sixth Schedule Amendments by the Centre, which indicated the imposition of Village Councils and Municipal Councils within the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The Federation of Khasi States said it would remind the Centre to expedite the fulfilment of the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement of August 17, 1948, and its inclusion in the Constitution under Article 370A.
Kharshiing said the Federation earlier had sent copies of the memorandum to BJP’s central and state leaders but there was no response.
While expressing concern over the contents of the letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2015, Kharshiing criticised the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council for remaining silent on the “objectionable and insulting comments” on the institutions of Dorbar Shnong where traditional institutions were termed undemocratic and unconstitutional. MHA also suggested an “adult suffrage” process within traditional institutions.
“These unwarranted comments have only exposed and confirmed the true perspective and serious lack of knowledge of the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Sixth Schedule. This raises a serious question on protecting the constitutional rights of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo people under the Sixth Schedule,” he told reporters.
The Federation also fears that undermining the traditional institutions could lead to serious conflicts as they enjoy the confidence of people. Kharshiing asked the KHADC and the State Government to move respective resolutions regarding the fulfilment of the national commitment under the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement of August 17, 1948.
The Federation of Khasi States will convene meetings at all Hima and Elaka to call on all Syiems, Lyngdohs, Sirdars, Dollois and Nokmas, to urgently convene respective Dorbar Hima to apprise their citizens of this issue and prepare for the assembly of the fifth Dorbar Ri to be convened in October.
