Shillong, June 12: A delegation led by Dr Balajied S Syiem, Syiem of Khyrim, and Bah John F Kharshiing, Chairman, Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya, spokesperson, Federation of Khasi States, met Dr Mukul Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Meghalaya at 3.30 pm on 12th June 2017, in his official chambers and submitted a memorandum urging the State Government to take necessary steps to ensure that the traditional way of life and cattle markets within the Khasi States and particularly Meghalaya are not closed by virtue of back door application of central legislation.
In this regard the traditional Chiefs of the Khasi States urged the Government of India through the State Government to implement the Instrument the conditional Annexed Agreement of 17 August 1948, signed and accepted between the Government of India with the Federation of Khasi States, so as to resolve the constitutional anomaly that exist within the First Schedule of the Constitution of India. The delegation informed the Hon’ble Chief Minister that if these issues are left unresolved with then the Federation of Khasi States will be left with no option but to approach the United Nations to intervene with the Government of India as to their rights as per the treaty IOA & AA.
The delegation stated that the recent legislation violated Human Rights of the Schedule Tribes and will affect the livelihood of thousands who are dependent on such animal husbandry and veterinary activities.
The traditional Markets under the Syiem, Lyngdoh, Sirdar, Dolloi, Nokma, in Meghalaya such as Smit, Mawhati, Iew rynghep, Lyngkyrdem, Pynursla, Tyrso, Mawlasnai, Mawryngkneng, Sohryngkham, Bhoirymbong, Tyrsad, Maroit, Nongum, Mairang, Nongstoin, Rambrai, Mawkyrwat, Umden, Sohra, Sohiong, Iew Duh, Iew Masi (Raid Marwet), Umdohlun, Markasa, Umsning, Nongpoh, and Partharkhmah, Jowai/Iawmusiang, Iaw Pynsing, Shangpung, Waiajer, Sutnga, Rymbai, Muktapur, Borkhat, Nongjri, Shella, Balat, Mawsynram, Mawdon, and many others will be severely affected if such rules and regulations are forcefully imposed, not to speak of the economic hardship that will be faced by the people of the State.
The Chief Minister, informed that an official resolution was passed in the State Assembly and stated that the Federal structure of India must be maintained at all cost before it is too late.
