SHILLONG: Church leaders in Khasi and Jaintia Hills have, for the first time, expressed their views on the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) (Second Amendment) Bill, 2018.
In a statement to the media on Tuesday, Archbishop Dominic Jala said the church leaders “respected the concern shown by the Council (KHADC)” but they feel the bill should be thoroughly studied to understand the various implications and ramifications.
The church leaders, who met at Archbishop’s House in Laitumkhrah on Tuesday, are also of the view that the text of the bill should be put on public domain for suggestions.
“We exhort the general public, while participating in the debate on the said bill, to share their valuable opinions without denigrating anyone but sincerely with the desire to promote whatever will be constructive for our society,” said Jala.
UDP for wider consultations
The UDP on Tuesday also called for wider consultations on the lineage bill. The party’s general secretary, Jemino Mawthoh, said though the party appreciates the intent of the amendment bill, “there is a need to understand its ramifications as well”.
“There are varied opinions on the bill and hence it requires wider consultation,” he said, adding that the UDP MDCs will bring the bill to the party.
The bill that was sent to the governor for assent has been forwarded to the government for its views.
The second amendment bill denies schedule tribe status to Khasi women who marry non-Khasi men. Their children too will be denied the benefit.
Women’s concerns
Members of the Meghalaya Women’s Alliance (MWA), after a meeting held on August 2, have voiced concern over the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom Lineage) (Second Amendment), Bill, 2018.
Observing that the bill will have an adverse effect on the Khasi society, MWA said suggestions from community elders, clan associations and women’s organisations, among others, should be sought before the bill is set in motion.
In this connection, they expressed hope that the governor would weigh the pros and cons of the issue before taking any decision.
