By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Federation of Khasi States has resolved to convene their respective Dorbar Hima in presence of citizens to discuss issues arising out of the delay in fulfillment of the treaty terms as per the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement (IOA & AA) of August 17, 1948.
In a statement issued here, the Khasi States under the collective association of the Federation of Khasi States held a meeting on May 7 in Shillong, under the chairmanship of John F Kharshiing, Dorbar Ki Khlieh Nongsynshar Ka Ri Hynniewtrep, & Spokesperson, Federation of Khasi States.
In the Dorbar, the Indigenous Chiefs resolved to urge all the Khasi States including the Sirdarship to convene their Dorbar Hima in presence of citizens to update and deliberate on the delay in the implementation and fulfillment of the treaty terms as per the IOA & AA of August 17, 1948.
The clarity as to the delay is caused due to the lack of understanding by the Central, State and District Council authorities and inspite of reminders from the Central Government till date no resolution has taken place to implement the treaty terms of the agreement.
The Federation of Khasi States has urged leaders of the Federation of Khasi States to finalise the dates and address the gatherings of such Dorbar Hima and to discuss
the recent proposal from the KHADC to examine and discuss the five conditions within the IOA & AA vis-a-vis the powers of para 3 of the Sixth Schedule, of Constitution of India.
Kharshiing, is also a member of the Advisory Committee on Legislation and Legal Issues, of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
After thorough debate, the Chiefs and, the Federation of Khasi States were of the view that the recent development needed proper clarity and there should not be any doubt that the principal objectives of the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement August 17, 1948 and the principal objectives of the Sixth Schedule (very much influenced by the then Assam Government) was totally different in nature.
The foundation of the Sixth Schedule was based on representation of MDCs from political parties and not representatives of the Khasi States whereas the mandate of the Sixth Schedule included among conflicts other tribes and non-tribals, while the political institutions of the Khasi States was meant only to protect the Khasis & Jaintia of the Khasi States.
He further said that clause 5 of the IOA & Annexed Agreement, of August 17, 1948 clearly indicates that the Federation of Khasi States collectively and individually will have special status within the Constitution of India, where it’s status would be much different to what it is presently with the Sixth Schedule, wherein the numerous Central Acts have been applied unconstitutionally over the Hima Khasi States due to the weak and false position of the Sixth Schedule.