SHILLONG: Extending support to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) (Second Amendment) Bill, 2018, the conveners of STIEH have decided to meet the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council CEM to enact a similar legislation.
Speaking at a public meeting on Friday, one of the conveners of STIEH (Saiñdur, Tipkur Tipkha, Ieng, Ehrngiew, Khun Hynñiewtrep), Purity Phawa expressed hope for the governor’s assent to the Bill.
Phawa was highly critical of those opposing the bill saying non-Khasi men should not be allowed to marry tribal women.
HSPDP MDC Teilinia Thangkhiew, who was also present at the meet, said the bill “does not discriminate against Khasi women and will not bring about segregation as the Khasi Jaitbynriew constitutes the Khynriam, Pnar, Bhoi and War.
Stating that they will put pressure on the state government and the governor to give assent to the bill, Phawa said a Land Ceiling Act should be enacted and the Land Transfer Act should be strengthened. “Tribals from other states of the country are giving their support to us,” she added.
The STIEH members met the governor in the evening.
Member Badariti Lyngdoh Nonglait said the governor informed them on the standard rules to be followed before giving his assent to the bill even as he said that there were other groups opposing the bill.
“The governor informed us that he will consult with the state government and the Ministry of Home Affairs. He said it will take time which is around 2-3 months,” she added.
