HITO takes up Instrument of Accession with Guv

Shillong, Aug 17: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has petitioned Governor CH Vijayashankar to pursue with the Centre for recognition of Khasi states.

Earlier on August 17, HITO hoisted the flag of the Khasi State , at Lum Shillong. This event is meant to remind the government of Meghalaya to act on the directives from the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) issued in April 2012 and again in October and November 2014. These directives highlight the need to add the treaty agreements into the Constitution of India as a special Article. This will help ensure that the Khasi and Jaiñtia people receive the rights and status they deserve.

In the memorandum submitted to the governor, HITO president Donbok Dkhar and general secretary Wanbun Dkhar said the organisation is dedicated to advocating for the rights enshrined in the Instrument of Accession and the Annexed Agreement accepted and signed by C Rajagopalachari, Governor General of India on August 17, 1948, which recognizes the unique status and rights of the Khasi states. We are deeply concerned that the commitments made in this historical document remain unfulfilled, HITO said.

The organisation sought the intervention of the governor to submit a comprehensive report to the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the implementation of the national solemn commitments outlined in the agreements.

“It is imperative to refer to the directives issued by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in April 2012 and again in October/November 2014, which underscore the necessity of incorporation of the treaty agreements within the constitution of India in a special Article and fulfilling these commitments to ensure the rightful status of the Khasi and Jaiñtia people. The day of August 17, 1948, marks a profound milestone in our history, as it was then that C Rajagopalachari, the then Governor-General of India, accepted the Instrument of Accession and the Annexed Agreement, thereby affirming our unique status as a people and the protection of our cultural identity. The delay in executing the promises made in this agreement is a matter of great concern for our community, impacting our social, cultural, and legal standing, it said.