SHILLONG, March 27: One of Meghalaya’s sacred forests — Mawphlang sacred forest — will likely be etched in the memory of the French Consul General, Didier Talpain, who along with Press Attaché & Diplomatic Liaise, Anjita Roy Chowdhury, arrived here on Saturday for a three-day visit to Shillong.
The Consul General from French Embassy in Kolkata, on Saturday morning, visited Law Lyngdoh Mawphlang Sacred Forest under Hima Mawphlang Kingdom along with the Embassy officials, who were all accompanied by the Lyngoh (Ruler) of Hima Mawphlang, C Alan Lyngdoh Mawphlang besides Chairman of the Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya and Adviser & Spokesperson, Federation of Khasi States, John F Kharshiing, the two Myntri of Hima Mawphlang, S Sohliya, and Kharhunai.
The delegation was escorted by a skillful guide who provided a very detailed and in-depth account of the biodiversity and history of the sacred forest.
During the walk inside the sacred forest, the French Consul General was briefed by the Lyngdoh of Hima Mawphlang on the various aspects of the culture, administration and the sacred rituals that were practised inside the sacred forest by the Lyngdoh his predecessors until four to five decades ago.
Talpain enquired as to the availability of documentation on these ancient cultures, rituals and administration.
He was informed by the Adviser & Spokesperson, Federation of Khasi States, John F Kharshiing, that as per data available, there are presently over 75 sacred forests in Meghalaya under the custody of the Syiem, Lyngdoh, Dolloi, A’king Nokma, and clans of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes.
The Lyngdoh of Hima Mawphlang presented a memento to the French Consul General.
Kharshiing presented a copy of the extracts of the official white paper on India states which included the Instrument of Accession and the Annexed Agreement of 17 August 1948, indicating date of signing of the respective 25 Khasi States.
On inquiry by the Consul General about the status of the other Khasi, Jaintia and Nokma chiefs, who did not find mention in the Accession list, Kharshiing informed him that the Rulers/Chiefs have been petitioning the Government of India democratically since 1950 and are awaiting recognition by the Centre within the Constitution since many decades. Talpain was intrigued by the existence of such ancient cultures administration and practices.
The French Consul General also made a brief visit to one of the oldest ancient indigenous Khasi houses preserved for more than 90 years and located in the vicinity of the sacred forest.