Shillong, Aug 28: The Meghalaya Hajong Welfare Association (MHWA) has issued a statement of condemnation against the Khun Hynñiewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) after the latter appeared to exclude minority tribes from being native to Meghalaya.
KHNAM had recently written to the Chief Secretary over what it said was misuse of Scheduled Tribe status by tribals who have migrated from other states, individuals who married tribals, etc.
KHNAM, a marginal political party that has no elected representatives at any level of government, repeatedly mentioned the Khasis, Jaintias and Garos as being Meghalaya tribes that deserve reservation in government jobs.
However, today, the MHWA wrote a scathing letter to KHNAM, reminding it that there are other recognised tribes in the state, such as the Hajong, Rabha, Koch, Bodo, Mann and Karbi. KHNAM’s letter was thus “not only factually incorrect but also deeply divisive and discriminatory” against these minority tribes.
“To deny or disregard our status as ST is a direct insult to the dignity, culture and constitutional rights of these communities,” the MHWA stated. “Such remarks are harmful to the peace and harmony of Meghalaya, which has always thrived on its diversity and coexistence of different tribal groups. Political parties and leaders are expected to uphold unity, inclusiveness and respect for every community, not to spread divisive narratives. We stand firm in defending the honour and rights of every recognised tribal community in Meghalaya and we will not tolerate any attempt to marginalise or erase our identity.”
