SHILLONG, MAY 28: The Khasi Authors’ Society on Thursday said the decision of its president, Dr DRL Nonglait, to contest the Shillong Lok Sabha byelection on an NPP ticket is his “personal decision” and has “no connection whatsoever with the organisation.”
In a statement, KAS general secretary Dr RP Kharshiing addressed questions and “criticisms in the press and on social media against KAS” that followed Nonglait’s candidature.
“On this matter, the Khasi Authors’ Society, with concern, clarifies to the public that KAS is an organisation of Khasi writers that includes members from various different backgrounds,” the statement said.
“It is an organisation that works to develop, expand, and uphold the Khasi language, its literature, and literary works.”
KAS noted that its members span multiple professions and political affiliations.
“Within the organisation, we have many members who are in their own political parties and who support and engage in political work,” Kharshiing said.
“There are also members of the organisation who have been MPs, MLAs, MDCs and who have also held the rank of Minister in the state, Chief Executive Member in the District Council, and many others who hold positions as officials in political work.”
He added that the Society welcomes “all writers to be members once they write in the Khasi language, especially when they have the desire to strengthen Khasi writing and reading.”
Members include “religious leaders from different denominations, traditional chiefs, village heads, and government servants,” as well as “doctors, lawyers, school, college, and university teachers, self-employed persons, and others.”
On its functioning, KAS said there are no curbs on political association.
“Regarding the functioning of the Society, there is no restriction on any member, from officials to those who are just members, from joining or entering any political party or any group in society,” the statement said.
Dismissing the backlash, Kharshiing said, “Therefore, the criticism against KAS or its members by some who seek to take advantage is an act of slander that has no basis and by those who do not know the way the organisation works.”
“The joining of Dr. D.R.L. Nonglait to the NPP party and the decision to contest the MP byelection is his personal decision and this has no connection whatsoever with the organisation,” he stated.
Kharshiing also clarified the line of responsibility within KAS. “Accordingly, the decision of Dr. D.R.L. Nonglait, President KAS, is his personal decision and in the functioning of the organisation it has been clearly laid down that in the absence of the President, the Vice President has to run the affairs of the organisation.”
The Society also pointed to a recent policy milestone. “The public truly gave great support and in the past weeks, the government fulfilled the demand of the community which has been sought since 2023 and was led by the Khasi Authors’ Society; that is, ‘To make the Khasi language an official language in the State of Meghalaya.’ The gratitude goes to all the public,” the statement said.
KAS thanked supporters and appealed for continued backing. “Once again the organisation expresses its gratitude to all the public, organisations, and well-wishing groups who have given physical and moral support to the organisation at all times,” Kharshiing said. “We also look forward to the people of the Hynniewtrep continuing to support us in the days to come for the cause of upholding our mother tongue.”
By Our Reporter
