JOWAI : National People’s Party (NPP) candidate Dr D R L Nonglait has pledged to push for the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution if elected to the Lok Sabha, saying his mission in Delhi would be to ensure that the voice of the Hynniewtrep community is heard in Parliament.

Addressing voters at Mihmyntdu in Jowai on Thursday during the campaign for the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election, Nonglait said work on a Khasi translation project was already underway with support from the Centre and the state government.

He said the Ministry of Information Technology had set up a committee for the Khasi translation project, which aims to use technology to translate Khasi into all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule.

“The work is on with support of the Centre and state government,” he said.

Nonglait said the inclusion of Khasi in the Eighth Schedule would allow the language to gain greater recognition and strengthen its position nationally.

“Once Khasi is in the Eighth Schedule, if you elect me, I will go to Parliament and speak in Khasi. All languages in the Eighth Schedule are allowed to speak in their own language. Khasi has stood tall and is equal to other languages of India. What we need is strong follow-up in Delhi,” he said.

Eighth Schedule Recognition to Benefit Other Languages

Nonglait said the recognition of Khasi would also help promote related languages and dialects spoken across the Hynniewtrep region, including Pnar, Ri Bhoi, Ri Lyngam and War.

He argued that inclusion in the Eighth Schedule could open up greater opportunities for research funding and institutional support for these languages.

“So far dialects in Pnar country, Ri Bhoi, Ri Lyngam, War did not get adequate support. When Khasi gets into the Eighth Schedule, these languages will also get funds for research from different institutions. They will bloom and enrich Hynniewtrep Hynniewskum as a community rich in languages,” he said.

Highlights NPP Government’s Resolutions on Khasi, ILP and Uranium Mining

The NPP candidate highlighted three resolutions adopted during the tenure of the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, relating to Khasi language recognition, implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and opposition to uranium mining at Domiasiat.

Nonglait credited the government led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, for bringing forward the resolutions.

“No earlier government brought resolution for Khasi official language, for Eighth Schedule, for ILP or against uranium mining. It is the NPP government under Conrad Sangma, Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar which brought these resolutions that will stay in history. We must honour those who dared to bring them,” he said.

Explaining the importance of the ILP, Nonglait said it was necessary to monitor the entry and stay of outsiders to protect the state’s interests and environment.

He also cautioned against uranium mining at Domiasiat, saying that although the mineral could offer economic opportunities, its extraction could pose serious risks.

“Uranium at Domiasiat is tempting but dangerous and our people do not want its mining in our small state,” he said.

Myntdu River Inspired My Spirit of Service, Says Nonglait

Sharing his personal connection with Mihmyntdu, Nonglait recalled visiting the village for the first time in 2015 to speak on ‘Akor’ at a seminar organised by the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Synod Mihngi.

He described Mihmyntdu as the source of the Myntdu River, highlighting the river’s importance to Jowai and the wider region.

The river supplies drinking water to Jowai, flows around the town and continues towards Syntu Ksiar, Ialong and Tuber before reaching Leshka, where rivers converge and support a hydropower project.

Nonglait said the river’s contribution to the region had inspired his own commitment to public service.

“Its service cannot be measured. It inspired my spirit of service,” he said.

Promises to Address Unemployment, Education and Rural Hardships

Speaking about his decision to contest the election, Nonglait said he came from a rural background and had progressed through education and hard work, with what he described as God’s grace.

He said he had consulted elders, including Professor Lamin, before accepting the NPP’s offer to contest the Shillong Lok Sabha seat.

“I come from rural background, started small, through hard work and God’s grace I came to Shillong to study, work, teach. I asked elders, including Prof Lamin present here, whether to accept NPP’s offer. They said don’t miss people’s opportunity. For me it is not my opportunity but opportunity to serve,” he said.

Nonglait said his priorities included improving governance, strengthening the economy and education, addressing youth unemployment and easing the hardships faced by poor mothers in rural areas and Shillong.

“My aim is to improve, to enlighten and to build. Like Myntdu brings light through power project, I want to bring light to the state. I see problems of governance, economy, education, unemployment of youth, hardships of poor mothers in villages and even in Shillong town. I want to serve, protect and bring development,” he said.

Appealing to voters to support his candidature, Nonglait also urged people to put aside past disagreements and give him an opportunity to serve.

“If you had misunderstanding in last election and were angry, I request you to forget and forgive,” he said.