Shillong, Sept 13: The organisation the Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) to day has written to the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mr. Conrad K Sangma requesting the Government to to restrict the GauDhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra in Meghalaya.
In the letter HITO ma mention that certain Hindutva individuals and organizations plan to conduct a ‘yatra’ in our state on October 2, 2024, in support of the anti-cow slaughter movement and to declare India as a GauRashtra with the cow as the ‘mother of India.’
As the Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO), they strongly oppose this initiative. Such actions are perceived as a provocation to the religious sentiments of the Christian majority in the state.
Beef is a staple food for the indigenous Hynñiewtrep and Achik communities, who have consumed it for centuries. Raising this issue in our region challenges our fundamental right to food choice and consumption.
HITO also wish to highlight that the demand to declare the cow as the ‘Mother of the Nation’ is legally questionable and conflicts with Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India, which prohibits the conferral of titles by the State except for military or academic distinctions.
Moreover, such demands undermine the cultural identity and religious sentiments of the Hynñiewtrep people. Should the yatra proceed and the Cow flag be displayed on our land, as an organization, will take to the streets on the same day to raise the flag of the 25 Himas and demand the rights denied to us for over 75 years.
Specifically regarding the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Autonomous District Councils (ADC), which have yet to be fully honored by both Central and State governments, the letter was sign by Donbok Dkhar President and Wanbun N Dkhar General Secretary.
