SHILLONG: The Central Executive Committee of the Jaintia National Council (JNC) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning remarks made by Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, MLA and chief of the Voice of the People Party (VPP), over his reference to the state’s reservation policy.
In its statement, the JNC objected to Basaiawmoit’s use of the term “Khasi” without mentioning “Jaiñtia,” alleging that such a reference sidelines the constitutional and historical identity of the Jaiñtia (Pnar) community.
“You Cannot Erase Us”
The JNC stated that the correct and accepted reference in matters concerning reservation policy and governance in Meghalaya is “Khasi-Jaiñtia,” and not “Khasi” alone.
The organization also extended its support to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who reportedly objected to the MLA’s statement and emphasized the usage of the full term “Khasi-Jaiñtia.”
The council questioned the basis on which the community was referred to solely as “Khasi,” asserting that both “Khasi” and “Jaintia” are separately recognized under the Scheduled Tribes list for Meghalaya in the Constitution of India.
“The Constitution recognizes Khasi and Jaintia as distinct tribal communities. This is not opinion — it is the law,” the JNC stated.
Historical Identity of the Jaiñtia
The JNC further highlighted the historical legacy of the ancient Jaiñtia Kingdom, describing it as one of the oldest and most significant kingdoms in Northeast India, dating back to around 600 AD.
The statement noted that the kingdom once extended from the Jaiñtia Hills to the plains of present-day Sylhet (now in Bangladesh), underscoring the long-standing political and cultural identity of the Pnar people.
The organization also referred to the formation of Meghalaya in 1972 and the establishment of the Jaiñtia Hills district and the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) as formal recognition of the community’s distinct identity.
On Unity and “Hynñiewtrep”
Responding to remarks about “unity,” the JNC stated that Khasi and Jaiñtia communities have historically shared the common identity of “Hynñiewtrep” (Children of the Seven Huts) and were never divided.
“There is nothing to unify because we were never divided,” the statement said, emphasizing that unity should not come at the cost of erasing distinct constitutional identities.
Political Concerns Raised
The JNC cautioned political leaders against reducing community identities to electoral rhetoric and warned against any attempt to dilute or undermine institutions such as the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council.
The statement concluded with a call for all Members of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly to ensure that the Jaiñtia community is properly acknowledged in all official discourse and policy matters.
The press note was issued by Wanshwa Suting, General Secretary, JNC Central Executive Committee.