SHILLONG, MAY 6: The Khasi-Jaintia National Union (KJNU) on Friday demanded creation of a separate state – ‘Khasi-Jaintia Land’. “We demand the centre create a separate state for the Khasi and Jaintia to be known as the Khasi-Jaintia Land,” KJNU president Niman N Shadap told reporters.
The two-year-old KJNU also vowed to pursue the demand till it is considered by the centre like in the case of states like Mizoram, Assam, Nagaland and Bihar.Stating that Meghalaya has witnessed similar demand for a separate Garoland, Shadap however said, “But we prefer the democratic path and not bullets to ensure the demand is achieved.”
Former supremo of the Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP)late HS Lyngdoh had also spearheaded the demand for separate hill state in the past many years.When asked, Shadap however said, “We feel that it should be known by our community – Khasi and Jaintia and not hill state or Meghalaya.”
“In this way we can further strengthen and promote our rich cultural heritage as Khasi and Jaintia represents the Kynriam, Pnar, Bhoi, War,” he asserted. According to him, Meghalaya is actually known as Meghaloi to mainland as the name itself is being given by a non-indigenous person.
Another reason pointed out by the separate state activist is the problem of growing unemployment among the three tribes. “The Garos alone enjoys a job reservation of 40 percent whereas the Khasi and Jaintia are sharing 40 percent,” he added.
Meanwhile, Shadap said that the union will soon submit a representation and lead a delegation to meet the centre on the issue. According to him, several democratic agitations are also on the card in order to pressurize the government of India to consider the demand.-By Our Reporter
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