Shillong, Sep 3: The demand raised by Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) for exclusion of other indigenous communities apart from three major tribes of Meghalaya from benefits of reservation has drawn sharp criticism from Meghalaya Indigenous Minority Scheduled Tribe Forum (MIMSTF).
According to the Forum, KHNAM working president Thomas Passah had demanded that Scheduled Tribe (ST) quotas in Meghalaya be exclusively reserved for the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities.
In a memorandum to the chief secretary, the Forum strongly condemned the demand and termed it divisive and discriminatory against other communities such as Rabha, Hajong, Koch, Boro, Mann and Karbi, which are recognised as Scheduled Tribes of Meghalaya.
Referring to a special recruitment drive of Border Security Force (BSF) in the state, the Forum said it should be borne in mind that these communities were included in the list of Scheduled Tribes along with the three major tribes of Meghalaya, and their rights and identity are duly protected under the law.
Lamenting that the demand for exclusion of other tribes came from a political party, the Forum said, “Political parties and leaders should not spread any divisive narratives against any tribes, rather should uphold unity, inclusiveness and respect for every community thereinto.”
It further resolved to defend the honour and rights of the other communities as Scheduled Tribes of Meghalaya.
