SHILLONG: The Executive Member in charge of Elaka Department, Latiplang Kharkongor has voiced his concern over the application of Central Acts in the jurisdiction of Khasi Hima.
In this connection, he will convene a meeting of the 54 traditional heads comprising of Sordars and Wahadadars within the jurisdiction of the Khasi Hima on September 13.
Addressing reporters on Thursday, he said that the meeting of traditional heads would discuss on the role of traditional heads in connection with the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
He added that there would also be a discussion on the Standstill Agreement and the Annexed Agreement during the meeting.
“There is a need to incorporate the Annexed Agreement and the Standstill Agreement in the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution,” Kharkongor said.
It may be mentioned that the Federation of 25 Khasi states signed the conditional Standstill Agreement on the July 16, 1947 and the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement (IOA &AA) which was accepted by the Government of India on August 17, 1948.
He pointed out that under the Annexed Agreement subjects such as land, forest, judiciary, legislature, tax, excise etc., belong to the Khasi states whereas the subjects of defence, currency and external affairs were with the Central government.
“It should be made clear whether the agreement still stands or not,” he asserted.
Criticizing the state government, he said, “The state government is not serious in dealing with the affairs of the District Council.”