Editor,
The special article “Federation of Khasi States versus the District Council” by Fabian Lyngdoh (ST April 12, 2025) is an excellent exposition about the Khasi States and the traditional dorbar. I am in sync with every paragraph of his brilliant writing with facts. The British colonial presence in the Khasi Hills indeed brought significant disruptions to the region’s traditional systems. Before their arrival, the Khasi Hills were governed by a unique system of administration led by local dorbars that played a central role in maintaining the social and political order. However, the British altered this structure to suit their economic and political interests. The introduction of British policies and systems disrupted traditional practices and institutions. The Anglo-Khasi War (1829–1833) is a notable example of resistance against these changes. Despite the resistance, the British eventually established control, leading to the erosion of the powers of the dorbars and the imposition of new administrative systems. While the British did introduce infrastructure and education, the long-term effects on the Khasi Hills were complex, with many arguing that the harm to traditional systems and autonomy outweighed the benefits.
The book Khasi Society of Meghalaya: A Sociological Understanding by A.K. Nongkynrih, a valuable resource for understanding the sociological aspects of Khasi culture and society mentioned that Reverend JJM Nichols Roy was deeply involved in the governance and advocacy for tribal rights in the Khasi Hills that he established the Dorbar in 1923 drawing on the concept of Dorbars or traditional Khasi council which predates colonial influence and has been a long-standing institution in Khasi society which existed in different forms and at different levels in the individual Khasi Kingdom. However, subsequently Nichols Roy’s contributions were more focused on integrating tribal governance into modern frameworks. Reverend JJM Nichols Roy played a pivotal role in the formulation of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This schedule was designed to protect the rights and autonomy of tribal communities in the northeastern region of India. Nichols Roy, as a member of the Constituent Assembly, advocated for the creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) to ensure self-governance for tribal areas in the North Eastern Region. His efforts were instrumental in safeguarding tribal land, culture, and traditions while integrating these regions into the Indian Union.
Late PR Kyndiah, former Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and Union Minister, Tribal Affairs and Development of North Eastern Region and Chairman NEC once told me, at the time when I was his Liaison Officer as Chairman, NEC that when he was Secretary to JJM Nichols Roy, Roy mentioned that he had advance information while in the United States of America that Md. Ali Jinnah planned to set up Shillong as the summer capital of Pakistan. At that time Rev Nichols Roy felt that it was safer to be in India than in Pakistan. Salute to Reverend JJM Nichols Roy for his farsightedness that we are not in Bangladesh today.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
Strengthening Institutions, Together
Editor,
I write in response to the article addressing the recent disagreement between the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) and NEIGRIHMS- Over-protectionism: Killing enterprise and the spirit of excellence in Meghalaya by Kong Patricia Mukhim. The thoughtful & balanced piece raises several relevant issues that deserve wider reflection—not only for what transpired at NEIGRIHMS but also for what it reveals about broader institutional and societal challenges in Meghalaya, it is must read.
The article rightly points out that while pressure groups definitely have a legitimate role in a democratic society, their actions must remain within the ambit of law and constructive engagement for the betterment & upliftment of local communities. The use of intimidation as a tactic undermines the very credibility of the causes they claim to represent and sets a worrying example. There have been social media comments from common people saying that these protests, like the Aadhar card protest are irrelevant, as the very next moment these very same people will be asking for scholarships from the centre. The ones leading this protest, did you inform the gullible rural people that Aadhar card is an initiative of the Central Government? The Aadhar card is a National ID card which confirms a person’s citizenship. To curb this disinformation, the government can conduct an Aadhar card drive in collaboration with the Centre for the same,focussed solely at rural areas.
Moreover, the concern raised about the erosion of institutional autonomy, especially in critical sectors such as healthcare, cannot be ignored. Institutions like NEIGRIHMS are invaluable not just to Meghalaya but to the entire North Eastern region and their functioning must not, imperatively be compromised by narrow interests or identity-driven politics.
Equally important is the call for accountability and meritocracy, particularly in the public sector. While affirmative action remains vital, it should not be a shield for inefficiency. The public, as beneficiaries of these services, ultimately suffer when institutions are weakened by internal dysfunction or external pressure.
The piece manages to navigate these complex issues without resorting to overstatement, and for that, it deserves acknowledgment. It is a timely reminder that long-term progress depends on the strength of our institutions, the maturity of public discourse, and our collective ability to prioritize meaningful, long-term development over not fleeting initiatives with no real life actual positive consequences.
Yours etc.,
Bahunlang Pde,
Via email
Mindless violence in Bengal
Editor,
The recent spate of mindless violence in West Bengal once again exposed the inherently un-democratic character of the State and its people. The right to dissent is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy but resorting to violence is against the very principle of democracy which ironically has become the hallmark of the State’s identity. West Bengal is perhaps the only state in India which is consistently carrying along for decades, the bloody legacy of violence and killings of their own people. The recurring violence in West Bengal, raises serious questions about the nature of public behaviour in the state. Every other state has social, political and economic issues, yet most resolve those issues through peaceful protests, dialogue and legal means. West Bengal however, stands out for its violent culture. From clashes between supporters of political parties, mob attacks, pre-poll and post poll violence to atrocities against women- the public often seems to participate willingly in aggressive actions rather than seeking peaceful solutions.
It can thus be argued that, to a significant extent, violence has become normalized and accepted in West Bengal as a tool of airing dissent. When violence becomes a common response, it reflects not just political failure but also societal acceptance, and West Bengal appears to be a classic example. The present social and political environment of West Bengal however, offers little sign of reversal of this dangerous trend in the immediate future.
Yours etc.,
D. Bhattacharjee
Shillong -1
Horrific road accidents
Editor
It is shocking to read of a horrific road accident involving a heavily loaded truck and a Maruti Alto along Umroi highway and another accident of a rogue truck hitting a scooter and killing the pillion rider while injuring the driver. These terrible accidents occurring off and on along our state highways and also within city limits go to show that even our state highways aren’t safe enough to drive. However we appreciate the Ri Bhoi District police for taking up the matter earnestly to address and catch hold of vehicles violating safety norms. Most trucks are over ten years old and flout all safety norms especially at night.
We recollect that the State Police had sometime ago brought out snazzy Hyundai Xcent cars as highway patrols but very few are seen plying under various police stations, leave alone to patrol Shillong city. Unlike in other states or cities there are city and highway patrol cars that keep a 24×7 check thereby ensuring safety and assurance to the common citizen. The current DGP should take up the rising road accidents in a proactive way. The Government too needs to come out with a State Policy for addressing road safety and certain prescribed protocols. Hopefully something concrete comes up lest our state ends up making headlines for the wrong reasons.
Yours etc..
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong 3