SHILLONG: A section of the political leaders in the state has called for a thorough examination of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) (Second amendment) Bill, 2018.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, UDP’s Paul Lyngdoh said the bill is confusing. “The intent of the bill is good but it has not been made amply clear because there is confusion on the understanding of the concept of identity and status,” he said.
According to him, if the act has to have real effect and tangible results, it should be implemented throughout the state and not only in the areas of the KHADC.
“It has a few shortcomings which need to be corrected but also it has to be made applicable throughout the state and if we are to effectively disallow persons of non-indigenous origin from taking advantage of our social system, then a lot of reforms are required which will come through social legislation as political legislation alone will not be able to effectively curb the trend,” he added.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Charles Pyngrope laid emphasis on the decision of the ‘jaitbynriew’.
“We follow a system since time immemorial. So any attempt to deviate from the system will need the consensus of the entire jaitbynriew. The district council, in its own understanding and wisdom, felt the need to do so then let the jaitbynriew decide. The final authority does not rest on the district council,” he said.
Pyngrope pointed out that the Supreme Court ruling should also be taken into account as any person of mixed parentage is a tribal.
NPP state president WR Kharlukhi said the bill needed to be thoroughly studied and debated. “From the academic point of view, there is a need to deliberate on the bill further,” he added.
