SHILLONG: The Grand Council of Chiefs has appealed to all the MLAs of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills and MPs to start protests in the Capital demanding inclusion of Khasi language in the Eight Schedule.
The council of chiefs comprising Ka Dorbar Ki Khlieh Nongsyshar ka Ri Hynniewtrep (Federation of Khasi States, Sirdarship, Dolloiship) appealed to all citizens, including chiefs of Dorbar Kur, Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima, to support the rally to be organised by the Khasi Authors’ Society at Madan Iewrynghep, Laitumkhrah on Saturday.
At present, there are about 22 languages under the Eighth Schedule while the latest report said that 42 languages are pending for inclusion.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the council said the Centre has always ignored Khasi language and culture.
“This partiality was laid bare when the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, in 2003, to appease and resolve the Bodo agitation introduced the Constitution (Ninety-second Amendment) Act on August 18, 2003, in the Lok Sabha,’’ it stated.Furthermore, the statement said namely the Constitution (One-hundredth Amendment) Bill, 2003 (Bill No. 63 of 2003) which would include the Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santhali languages within the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
Meanwhile, the KSU has extended their support to the proposed rally to be organised by the KAS on Saturday.
The KSU has urged students from the Khasi community studying in colleges and university to participate in the rally to seek support for the demand to preserve the language. The union also urged the principals of colleges to allow their students to participate in the rally.
