Shillong, Sept 26: At a time when the state is taking up the issue of inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the 8th Schedule to the Constitution, the Pnar language is barely getting the limelight, even in the state.
This is the reason why the Jaintia National Council has approached the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council for a special session to discuss the inclusion of Pnar in the Meghalaya State Language Act, as well as to convene a special law to safeguard customs and traditions.
JNC is among the organisations advocating for the recognition of Pnar.
JNC also believes that the JHADC should establish a specific law to safeguard customs and traditions. This demand has been communicated throughout Jaiñtia Hills via the Save Jaiñtia Mission.
The JHADC has approved the recognition of the A-B Jaiñtia alphabet, and this decision was officially announced in the Meghalaya gazette in 2021.
The JNC emphasises the necessity for the JHADC to begin utilising the A-B Jaiñtia script in its historical documents, particularly in legislative matters.
Limit trading rights to non-tribals
The Jaiñtia National Council has urged the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) to take measures to limit the proliferation of non-tribal shops and enable indigenous individuals to secure employment.
During a recent meeting, JNC General Secretary Wanshwa Suting met JHADC officials.
Earlier, the council had met the executive member of trade, Jesse Suiam, to point out that non-tribals predominantly owned many small-time businesses
“If the JHADC and the Village Dorbar fail to act, the JNC will mobilise its members to conduct checks on non-tribal shops throughout Jaiñtia Hills, especially those operating illegally,” a media statement of the JNC said.
Suiam assured that his department is prepared to collaborate with the organisation.
Revenue dept
Apart from this, JNC demanded the establishment of a revenue department for the JHADC in East Jaiñtia Hills to enhance service delivery and improve mobility for the residents of East Jaiñtia Hills, particularly the underprivileged, as stated by the JNC.
