JHADC passes official resolution to include Jaintia language in State Anthem

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 7, 2024

The Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) on Thursday passed an official resolution urging the state government to incorporate the Jaintia language in the State Anthem, which was recently released as part of the 52^nd statehood celebration.

“Now, therefore, this Council unanimously resolved to pass this resolution urging upon the State Government of Meghalaya to incorporate the “Jaintia” language in the State Anthem,” JHADC chief Thombor Shiwat said while tabling the resolution during the Council’s budget session.

“This will do away the feeling of step motherly treatment and will again maintain peace and harmony among the different ethnic tribal communities and also will safeguard the cultural identities of Jaintias in particular and the indigenous tribal communities in general,” he said.

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Stating that the release of the official State Anthem was indeed a historic moment for the state, the CEM however said, “But, what comes as a surprising factor is the fact that though the State Anthem of Meghalaya is about two minutes long in duration and it comprises segments in three distinct languages, however, these languages are Khasi, Garo and English. The Jaintia language was not incorporated in the Anthem.”

“And whereas, the State of Meghalaya consists of three important communities i.e. the Khasis, the Jaintias and the Garos, thus non-incorporation of the Jaintia Language in the State Anthem gives a feeling of being neglected. The Jaintia community/tribe holds a distinct identity and history,” he said adding “It has its own unique culture, historical background and its own land tenure system and other administrative significance. As such, this neglect/oversight by the State Government has by and large created the feeling of bitterness and discontentment among the indigenous (Jaintias) inhabitants of the State.”

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He informed that the House also resolved to forward the resolution to the Governor of Meghalaya Phagu Chauhan and Minister in-charge District Council Affairs, and the Commissioner and Secretary to the Government in’ Meghalaya, District Council Affairs Department.