HNLC supports indigenous place names

SHILLONG: Banned militant outfit, Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council has criticised the indifference on the part of the state government to change the name “Cherrapunjee” to ‘Sohra’, asserting that it has infused a sense of “fictional identity” among the people of the state.
In a press statement, the outfit’s publicity secretary, Sainkupar Nongtraw, pointed out that there were many places in the Hynniewtrep land which were given foreign names. He said the name, Meghalaya comes from a Sanskrit word.
Citing a historical background of how India was named during the Persian and Greek invasion, the outfit said there is a preference to call the country “Bharat” or “Hindustan”.
Nongtraw said the word “Hindu” does not denote any religious identity but points to geographical identity and the traditional religion of the Hindus is called “Sanatana Dharma,” which is a Sanskrit word.
Referring to the defacement of “Cherrapunjee” signboards by KSU activists at Sohra post office recently, the HNLC said it is up to the people to follow the same pattern.
Nongtraw maintained if people do not take the initiative, they will be regarded as slaves if they continue to use foreign names for localities and places in the state.