CM recalls contributions of Karbi leaders in statehood movement
Shillong, Apr 3: Chief minister Conrad K Sangma has sent a very strong message about the government’s attitude towards different communities, saying every citizen in Meghalaya is “equally important” irrespective of caste, creed or religion.
“Let me assure every single citizen of our state that no matter which tribe you belong to, no matter which religion you practice… being in Meghalaya and being a citizen of Meghalaya, makes you equally important to us,” he said while addressing the golden jubilee celebration of All Meghalaya Karbi Association (AMKA) at Purduwa Kharpati in Ri Bhoi district on Thursday.
“It is the duty of every single leader and the government to ensure that all development, overall protection and rights are given to all the people living in the state,” he said.
Recalling the contribution of several Karbi leaders – Valerian Hing Timung, Jaipo Thang Taro, Dominic Timung, Joy Taro and Chikraw Timung – towards the statehood movement that led to creation of Meghalaya, he said, “Their names still resonate with us today, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
The chief minister also said the Karbi leaders had spent months in jail while fighting for Meghalaya’s statehood, a testament to the strong bond between the Karbi people and Meghalaya.
Congratulating AMKA members on its golden jubilee, the chief minister acknowledged the contribution of its founding members, who have worked for the past 50 years to preserve and promote the rich cultural diversity of the community.
Sangma underscored the importance of preservation of the state’s diverse cultures and announced Rs 50 Lakh for establishment of a Karbi Culture Centre.
The government has been supporting different minority groups in the state for preservation of culture and tradition, he said.
“The government’s endeavour is to ensure that every community feels included. Culture is essential to our identity, and it is what makes us who we are – whether Khasi, Garo, Rabha, Koch, Hajong, or Karbi,” he added.
Focussing on the boundary dispute between Meghalaya and Assam, especially along Karbi Anglong, he informed that efforts have been made by the two governments and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) to solve the dispute with peace and harmony.
Highlighting the problems faced by the people in the areas of difference, he said, “Children had to study under the shed of a tree or in someone’s house, but with concerted effort and coordination between Assam and KAAC, Meghalaya has been able to support construction of a school in one of the areas of difference.”
The school is under construction with funds released from the Chief Minister Special Development Fund (CMSDF).
Admitting the challenges in resolving the boundary dispute, he said both the governments along with KAAC have been working to resolve the issues and that “things are moving in the right direction”.
The chief minister also appreciated the Assam government for joining hands to derive a solution to the vexed problem.
“It is not a simple issue to resolve, it is a political challenge, apart from technical challenge. Governments in the past may not have taken this forward. But we are committed to resolve the issue. I thank my Assam counterpart for taking the initiative to resolve the issue,” he said.
Meanwhile, on AMKA’s demand to change the nomenclature of Karbis from Mikir in the state, he said a committee headed by commissioner secretary of the Social Welfare department had been constituted to look into the demand along with other demands of various minority tribes.
The committee’s recommendation will have to be taken up with the government of India, he said.
On the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill that seeks inclusion of unrepresented tribes, the chief minister said, “…since the number of nominated members is large, the government will be in a position to expand and figure out if there is a need to include members from the unrepresented tribe. The option is not closed.”
On promotion of local language in the education system, the chief minister announced the government’s intention to introduce Khasi and Garo to all students across Meghalaya.
“I personally believe that it is important that the students understand words from both the languages. It will be challenging to introduce Khasi for students in Garo Hills and similarly Garo for students in Khasi Hills, but we are exploring the possibility to make both the languages mandatory in schools across the state,” he asserted.
