By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 17: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has sought the intervention of Governor CH Vijayashankar for the revival of the unique historical context of the Khasi and Jaintia states.
In a letter submitted to the Governor, HITO president Donbok Dkhar said the organisation has long been advocating for the rights enshrined in the Instrument of Accession and the Annexed Agreement, accepted and signed by C Rajagopalachari, the Governor-General of India, on August 17, 1948. The agreement, he noted, recognises the special status and rights of the Khasi states.
“We are deeply concerned that the commitments made in this historical document remain unfulfilled. We respectfully request your urgent intervention with the Government of Meghalaya. We urge your personal attention in ensuring that the state government responds and submits a comprehensive report to the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the implementation of the National Solemn Commitments outlined in the aforementioned agreements,” Dkhar said.
According to him, it is imperative to recall the directives issued by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in April 2012 and again in October–November 2014, which emphasised the need to incorporate the treaty agreements into the Constitution of India under a special Article, thereby fulfilling these commitments to secure the rightful status of the Khasi and Jaintia people.
He stressed that August 17, 1948, remains a profound milestone in history, as it was on that day that C Rajagopalachari, then Governor-General of India, accepted the Instrument of Accession and the Annexed Agreement, affirming the community’s unique status and safeguarding its cultural identity.
The HITO president further stated that the prolonged delay in executing the promises made under this agreement is a matter of grave concern, as it continues to affect the social, cultural, and legal standing of the Khasi and Jaintia people.
