SHILLONG:
Amid the growing demand in Khasi Hills for a review of the state reservation policy, seeking equal representation of seats allocation between the three major tribes of Meghalaya, a group from Jaintia Hills has come forward to demand for a separate allocation for the Jaintia community.
The Synjuk Ki Waheh Chnong (headmen union) has demanded 20 per cent reservation separately for the Jaintia Community of the state.
This demand came at the backdrop of the indefinite hunger strike of Voice of the People Party chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit over the reservation policy, which started on May 23.
The Synjuk made their demand known through a memorandum submitted to Health Minister and chairperson of the committee on the reservation policy and roster system Ampareen Lyngdoh on May 30.
According to the Synjuk, all these years, the Jaintias had to compete for the 40 percent share for Khasi-Jaintia, adding that their demand for a separate allocation of 20 per cent for the Jaintia is justifiable.
Stating that the reservation policy should be reviewed, the Synjuk also demanded for the roster system to be implemented from 2023 onwards.
At present, the Khasi-Jaintia gets 40 per cent, Garo gets 40, 5 per cent for other minority groups and 15 per cent for others.
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