SHILLONG: The Advisory Legal Committee constituted by KHADC held its first meeting to discuss Instrument of Accession (IOA) & Annexed Agreement (AA).
The meeting was aimed at strengthening the Federation of Khasi States (FSK).
The committee was constituted by the KHADC to understand the terms of the IOA and AA and how the documents can protect the district council against central laws.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting of the committee on Tuesday, the chairman of the committee, who is also the Chairman of the KHADC, Pynshngaiñ N Syiem observed that many central acts try to do away with the traditional system practiced by the community and KHADC has to fall back on FSK that had signed the IOA and AA with the Dominion of India on August 17, 1948.
He said discussions on this issue will be made with the traditional bodies, Executive Committee (EC) of the KHADC, MDCs and prominent persons.
“The Federation of Khasi States has to be strengthened in which the British Sirdarship will also join together with the Federation of Khasi states to form a strong body,” he said.
Syiem said the members of the committee regarded the IOA and AA as an important document which serves the interest and welfare of the people.
He observed that the Syiem, Sirdar and the MDCs also need to understand the importance of the IOA and AA.
In the next meeting, traditional heads, students of different institutions will be called to discuss on ways and means to strengthen the Federation of Khasi States.
Asked on the relevance of the IOA and AA, Pynshngaiñ said, “The IOA and AA is not a dead document but it is a valid document. The Khasi states signed the Standstill Agreement and the IOA and AA. The 25 Khasi Hima, Sirdarship, Raid are still in existence which shows that the IOA and AA is still alive.”
He observed that till today, the general public do not understand the importance of IOA and AA and stressed the need for having such discussions in many platforms.
“What is needed for the Centre is to respect our agreement which will allow us to protect our interest. If people understand about it, I don’t think there will be any problem for the state government or the Centre to listen to the voice of the people,” he added.
The committee also discussed the amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution which was approved by the Union Cabinet.
The committee wants to give certain suggestions to the Executive Committee (EC) of the KHADC as well.
Asked about the incorporation of IOA and AA in the Sixth Schedule
of the Indian Constitution, Pynshngaiñ said the committee will solicit the suggestions of the Syiem, Sirdar, the 25 numbers of Hima in Federation of Khasi States and the British Sirdarship.
“Based on their suggestions, it will be discussed with the Executive Committee (EC) on recognizing their role pertaining to the customary practices,” Pynshngaiñ said.
He pointed out that the amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution has to be within the purview of the IOA and AA.
As for the KHADC, he said the District Council will work together with the Federation of Khasi States.
