Shillong, Feb 27: Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma has ruled in favour of using Khasi-Jaintia instead of Khasi alone in addressing the reservation policy.
The order was after Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar raised a point of order against VPP MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit for referring to Khasi alone during the February 25 debate on the expert committee report on the reservation policy.
Dhar objected because Basaiawmoit did not include Jaintia. He said that references should not be made solely to one group without acknowledging the other, thus insisting that both terms be recorded in future discussions. He emphasised that this distinction is crucial to uphold communal integrity and avoid division.
Basaiawmoit expressed his disappointment at the misunderstanding. He clarified his intention was to foster unity among the sub-tribes and asserted that his use of the term “Khasis” was not to exclude the Jaintia community.
Supplementing the Deputy Chief Minister, Health and Family Welfare Minister, Wailadmiki Shylla since the discussion in the house will stay on record, therefore the word Jaintia should be put on record in the proceedings of the House.
JNC condemns Basaiawmoit
The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) has condemned VPP MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit for his reference to only the Khasi community and not the Jaintia in during a discussion on the reservation policy in the recently concluded budget session of the assembly.
The JNC viewed the single reference of only the Khasi as “reckless, irresponsible, and politically motivated”.
The organisation said that both “Khasi” and “Jaiñtia” are recognised as distinct tribal communities under the Scheduled Tribes list in the Constitution of India. Ignoring this fact undermines the legal foundations that govern identity and representation in Meghalaya, it said.
The JNC further emphasised the historical significance of the Jaiñtia kingdom, which dates back to 600 AD, asserting that their identity cannot be diluted or forgotten. The organisation asserted that the Jaiñtia community remains an essential part of Meghalaya’s heritage and identity, rejecting any notion that seeks to conflate or erase their distinctiveness from the Khasi community.
The JNC said the Jaiñtia people will not be silenced or manipulated by political discourse.
Calling for accountability and recognition, the JNC asked all political figures to respect the historical and cultural identity of the Jaiñtia people and refrain from using them for political gain.
