Shillong, May 8: The decision by the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) to recognise clans such as Biate, Karbi, Hmar, and Kuki has sparked backlash from the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU).
In a statement, the JSU strongly condemned the decision and demanded its revocation within three weeks.
The students’ body JSU has warned of potential protests, including the shutdown of JHADC against the recognition list.
The JSU alleged that the publication of the clan list was carried out without adequate consultation with traditional village authorities and clan leaders in the region. It said that the move could have an impact on the social fabric of the Jaintia Hills.
According to the union, the recognition of these clans is particularly contentious as it disrupts the matrilineal customs integral to the Jaintia community. While the new clans follow paternal lineage, traditional Jaintia society has long followed maternal lineage for inheritance and clan identity.
“This new recognition may eventually threaten the identity and existence of the Jaintia people, as well as weaken the matrilineal customs and maternal lineage that have long been the foundation of Jaintia society,” the JSU added.
