Shillong, Sept 11: The Federation of Khasi States within the Khasi and Jaintia Hills Districts express its appreciation to Hon’ble Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh, MLA East Shillong Constituency, for her efforts in moving a resolution in the Meghalaya Assembly today, on the need to seek further protection for the people of the State under Article 371-J of the Constitution of India, on the foundation of the unique Historical treaty rights the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement accepted by the Government of India and the Khasi States and signed by Governor General of India Shri. C Rajagopalachari, on the 17 August 1948.
The Federation of Khasi States also express its appreciation its to the hon’ble members who also spoke and express their concerns and support for the resolution cutting across party lines who expressed their concerns for the need to examine this crucial treaty rights of the Khasi States and suggesting the need for a special committee of the house to examine the
Even though the historic resolution was defeated by voice vote as per legislative convention we are encouraged by the debate and discussions that have taken place and 11 September, 2019, will continue to be a historic day when a resolution on this subject was raised for inclusion of Meghalaya and the treaty documents of Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement 1948 within Article 371 of the Constitution of India.
The Federation of Khasi States will lead a delegation of traditional heads to meet the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to impress upon them the urgent need to examine and provide Constitutional space for the Traditional institutions of self Government (such as the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Kur, Dorbar Raid Dorbar Hima and Council of Nokmas) of Meghalaya within the Constitution of India.
This is a beginning and we look forward to more such deliberations amongst the MLAs, MDCs and MPs of the State for ensuring adequate constitutional mechanism to protect the indigenous Khasi, Jaintia and Garo people of the State of Meghalaya.
