FKS donates Rs 1.15 lakh to PM relief fund, urge Centre to address IOA & AA issue

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 17, 2020

The Federation of Khasi States (FKS) on Monday donated Rs 1.15 lakh towards the Prime Minister Relief Fund for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in the country even as it urged the Centre to address the long pending issue related to the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement (IOA & AA).

The cheque was handed over to the BJP state president, Ernest Mawrie by a delegation of the FKS led by the president and deputy Syiem of Hima Nongkhlaw, Paiem Kestonbel M Syiemlieh and spokesperson John F Kharshiing at the party office in Shillong.

During the meeting, Paiem Kestonbel M Syiemlieh urged Mawrie to draw the attention of the BJP led central government to address the long pending issue of the IOA & AA so as to come to an amicable conclusion and solution.

The Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement was accepted and signed by C Rajagopalachari, Governor General, Dominion of India and the 25 Khasi States individually and collectively 72 years ago on August 17, 1948.

Kharshiing also handed over extracts of the summary of recommendations of the Vajpayee led National Commission for Review of the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) which was submitted to the Government of India on 31st March 2002.

The recommendations were for amending the Sixth Schedule for nominating five Syiem, five Dolloi and five Nokmas as Nominated members of their respective Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills District Councils in Meghalaya besides also recommending the nomination of women and others as part of further empowerment for the traditional institutions. 

The FKS spokesperson also requested the BJP state president to forward this important document to BJP national spokesperson Nalin Kholi, who has requested for a copy of this extract. 

Kharshiing, also informed that earlier during 2015-2016 the state Cabinet led by Dr Mukul Sangma, during the Congress-led government had recommended one to be nominated from the traditional Chiefs (Syiem/Dolloi/Nokma). He however said this issue is yet to be resolved till date as the amendment of the Sixth Schedule is still pending.

Kharshiing, requested Mawrie to examine the recommendations of the Vajpayee led Government during 2002.

Mawrie assured that he would take this up with the party officials and the Central leaders for examining the matter. There was also a mention as to the need for depoliticizing the Sixth Schedule so as to expedite the codification of the customs laws of the indigenous people of Meghalaya.

Earlier, the Khasi Himas namely Hima Khyrim, Hima Nongstoin, Hima Nongkhlaw, Hima Mawphlang, Hima Mylliem had also individually contributed to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.