Shillong, Aug 11: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has urged state Congress President Vincent H. Pala to take up the non-fulfilment of the Instrument of Accession (IOA) of the Khasi States in Parliament.
In an open letter, HITO appealed to Pala, a former Union Minister, to ask Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to speak on Clause 5 of the IOA signed on August 17, 1948 between the Government of India and the Khasi States. A copy of the document was enclosed with the letter.
The organisation said many problems faced by the Hynñiewtrep people are linked to the failure to acknowledge and follow up on the IOA. It listed coal mining, forests, land, entry and settlement of outsiders, licences, and laws affecting Khasi customs and indigenous governance as areas requiring scrutiny under the IOA framework. It also cited legal recognition of the National Assembly with its flag inaugurated on April 29, 1949.
HITO expressed concern that limited public knowledge of such historical instruments allows authorities to bypass indigenous rights, citing examples like MVI rules and entry of outsiders. It referenced NCST communications to the MHA in 2012 and 2014 on the status of the IOA.
The organisation also backed MPCC’s opposition to proposed FCRA amendments, saying they could hurt schools and civil society groups.
In a seven-point appeal, HITO asked Pala to raise the IOA in Parliament, seek a public clarification from the centre on its relevance, scrutinise laws affecting land and customs, oppose any legislation undermining indigenous rights, and ensure follow-up action.
“Historical documents must not remain confined to books; they must become the foundation for protecting the rights of a people,” the letter stated.
