By Hammarsing L Kharhmar
The recent exchange between N.K Kehar and Rudy Warjri in the ‘Letters to the Editor’ section of the Shillong Times has been very interesting and provides valuable insight into the views and perspectives of a section of citizens of Meghalaya. A lot can be learned and understood from the dialogue. It is healthy and necessary. The discourse stemmed out of reactions to the statement made by the new EC of KHADC, which is proposing a ban on issuing trading licenses to non-tribals, for work that tribals can do. This spiralled into a debate between the above-mentioned writers on indigenous culture, beliefs and the Autonomous District Council’s (ADC) role in their preservation. What particularly struck me is the statement by Rudy Warjri in his letter ‘Belief System and Faith’(March 8th 2025) that “Nothing has been mentioned about belief and faith” in the ADC’s and the 6th Schedule. This appears to be a fact, and this fact needs to be reflected upon and addressed, carefully and immediately
It seems right from the start a decision was made on how the tribe should progress, by eminent leaders of the past. The architect of the 6th Schedule, the venerable Reverend JJM Nichols Roy, was a devout and proud Christian, having reinforced his new religious identity by adding a new Christian first name (James) and his wife’s surname (Nichols) to his title (Roy), post conversion. He did not write his clan (Syiemlieh) in his surname. In a memorable speech in the constituent assembly debates, when arguing the case for Autonomous Councils for the hill tribes the Reverend expressed the following in one session, “I myself being a Hillman know what I feel. Being a Christian I want universal brotherhood everywhere.” He was valiantly defending against being subsumed under a larger culture (Hinduism), but the irony here is that he himself had already chosen a culture (Western Christian culture) other than his own, to protect his people and his land. His defence or case did not make any reference to any sacred traditional belief and was mostly dedicated to the “egalitarianism” and food habits of the Khasi, which he pointed out were in contrast to the social structure of Hindus in the plains (aka caste system) and their eating habits.
This isn’t a surprise though. As mentioned above, early on a decision had been made by several “tribals”, who no longer follow the ancestral faith, that Belief and Culture are separate. This is a choice no one can or should interfere with or take away. However, for those who follow the Khasi faith, many facets of Khasi culture are deeply connected and even inseparable from the Khasi systems of belief. Therefore, it seems only right and fair for new constitutional provisions to be introduced or significant amendments be made to the existing 6th Schedule to help and assist the Indigenous faith followers in keeping alive and advancing the indigenous culture. It is no secret that, if not for the Seng Khasi and Seiñ Raij, the indigenous culture of the Khasi – Jaintia Hills and the sacred beliefs upon which it has existed for millennia in these pristine hills, would be relegated to some academic articles and photos in museums.
I know it might seem unrealistic, but I firmly believe the Constitution has to be amended. Articles have been removed and Articles have been added in the past. The Constitution is not a static document. As I understand, the Constitution of India does not allow for reservation based on religion, but it allows for special benefits to be accorded to minority religious members and institutions. In all of this, the indigenous faith followers of the land, are left hanging, literally, neither here nor there, simply striving forth out of deep love and respect for what is theirs. But, this imbalance needs to change. I don’t believe in taking away anyone’s rights, but I do believe it is time for the members of the Indigenous faith community – “Khun Niam Khasi Niamtre “– to wake up and appeal for the scales to be balanced, in their favour, too.
Religion, is at the very heart, about the soul. The rites, rituals and ceremonies are born from and rest upon a belief in Divinity, understood from within. Beliefs born of the land and preserved and passed down through generations are deeply rooted to the land and environment. The indigenous culture preserves the indigenous religion and vice versa. And within the two, lives a unique identity. This undeniable fact, now universally acknowledged, can no longer be ignored. However, now that there is also open acknowledgment that the 6th Schedule or ADC’s weren’t meant to, or able to protect the indigenous faith, new legislation or laws are much needed. The current provisions are there mainly to protect the land and natural resources of the tribes, and I think they are more than sufficient as they are. What N.K Kehar stated is very true: “These faiths are “truly” indigenous and found nowhere else.”
The Centre and the State need to take notice and do what is right. The Indian state needs to accord special recognition to the Indigenous Faiths of the North East. A new department at the Centre which oversees this dire need, must be created for the long term security and stability of the region