SHILLONG, April 14: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also handles the District Council Affairs, steered clear of the controversial directive of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to issue tribal certificates only to those using their mother’s surname.
He said he is yet to receive an official representation on the matter.
The KHADC had a few days ago instructed all traditional Khasi village chiefs to strictly adhere to customary practices and issue tribal certificates only to those using their mother’s surname.
“I cannot comment as this came from the district council. I am not supposed to say anything until and unless some kind of official representation is made by the Garo, Khasi, or Jaintia district council,” Tynsong said.
Asked how a person can be denied the ST certificate, Tynsong said he has to go through the provisions of the relevant laws before making any comment.
“I can get some idea after going through the lineage act but the issue may be within the jurisdiction of an autonomous council,” he said.
The KHADC argued that the move is aimed at strengthening the matrilineal system of the Khasis.
KHADC executive member, Jambor War reportedly said: “We directed the traditional village chiefs to issue tribal certificates as per Sections 3 and 12 of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Khasi Social Custom of Lineage Act, 1997, according to which only those following our custom of using mother’s surname will be identified as a Khasi.”
Khasi and traditional chiefs were also asked to properly verify the antecedents of the ST certificate applicants.
