SHILLONG: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju has clarified that the Union Government had sent a letter to the State Government only for a clarification on the implementation of the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement signed on August 17, 1948 by the Khasi chiefs for constitutional recognition and protection of the traditional institutions.
Addressing pressmen here on Friday, Rijiju said that the letter was just a clarification and the Centre has not taken any decision on the matter.
Stating that the Sixth Schedule came into force before the birth of Meghalaya, Rijiju said that he was in favour of maintaining traditional institutions as long as they remained within the ambit of the Constitution.
As per the treaty, the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo chiefs and their administrative institutions of self-government must find constitutional space through provision of a separate party-less legislative body meant specifically for the traditional tribal village (Dorbar Shnong), province (Dorbar Raid) and State (Dorbar Hima) to ensure that their customary and social rights over legislative, executive and judicial authority are protected and defined in the Constitution of India under a special article.
Earlier, the Centre had asked the State Government to look into the implementation of Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement.
