Shillong, Feb 23: The state government has planned to send researchers to Cambodia to study links between Khasi and Mon-Khmer groups through DNA testing and linguistic work.
Informing the Assembly about the government initiative while replying to the debate on Governor’s Address on Monday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma Sangma said the government would launch micro-level studies into Garo ancestry—believed linked to Tibet—and expand work on the state’s history and roots in the next financial year.
Close to 50 researchers under the CM Research programme are documenting traditions and culture across Meghalaya.
Sangma said the government has sanctioned Rs 15 crore for Seng Khasi’s indigenous culture centre and Rs 17.26 crore to develop amenities at Smit for the Nongkrem dance and Pomblang ritual, with Rs 13.56 crore already released. Boundary walls and public facilities have been built at Lum Pomblang.
Heritage funding includes Rs 50 lakh for an open-air museum at Wahmawpat in Mawsynram—an 18th-century settlement—and Rs 1 crore for Syrwet U Barim to document oral wisdom.
“We realise the traditional and important of this location… and preserve rich history of our people,” he said.
