SHILLONG, AUG 3: Tribal women in the state today urged the Governor Ganga Prasad to grant assent to the KHAD (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) (Second Amendment) Bill, 2018 which seeks to strip off the ST status of Khasi women who marries non-Khasis and their offsprings citing that it will protect and preserve the identity of the indigenous community.
The decision was taken after a meeting was convened under the banner of STIEH (Saiñdur, Tipkur Tipkha, Ieng, Ehrngiew, Khun Hynñiewtrep), which was recently formed by a conglomerates of women from Khasi and Jaintia Hills region.
In a memorandum submitted to Prasad on Friday, STIEH convener Rani Kurbah said, “We fully endorse and support the Social Custom of Lineage (Second Amendment) Bill, 2018 which was unanimously passed by the KHADC.”
She added, “We strongly believe that this amendment Bill will go a long way towards the protection and preservation of the unique Khasi identity. We know that if this Bill becomes an Act it will be a blessing to the Khasi community as a whole.”
Claiming that the Bill is in line with the Khasi custom and tradition, Kurbah said, “We request you to kindly give assent to this Bill.”
Earlier during the meeting held at the Khasi National Durbar in Mawkhar, the STIEH has also decided to soon meet the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) chief Madonbai Rymbai urging the need to consider passing similar legislation.
HSPDP MDC Teilinia Thangkhiew said the Bill does not discriminate Khasi women and will not bring about segregation feeling as the Khasi Jaitbynriew constitutes the Khynriam, Pnar, Bhoi and War.
Stating that they will pressure the state government and Governor to give assent to the Bill, she said a Land Ceiling Act should be enacted and to strengthen the Land Transfer Act.
She said, “Tribals from other states of the country are giving their support to us.”
By Our Reporter
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