SHILLONG:
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has urged the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) to ensure that the Khasi-Pnars living in Tripura are not abandoned or deprived of the rights to their tradition and culture and right of land.
This issue was taken up by the members and officers of the KHADC during their recent visit to Tripura led by Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the council Titosstarwell Chyne.
The group was in Tripura to deliberate with the members of the TTAADC on how to strengthen the institution of the district council in the region.
During the discussion, members of the KHADC were informed that the TTAADC has recognised the Khasi-Pnar people as tribals living under the jurisdiction of the council in Tripura.
The KHADC members and officers who were in Unakoti district of Tripura since April 25, visited the Khasi-Pnar village of Golakpur from Khumulwng, the headquarter of TTAADC, on April 27, which was a five-hour journey.
According to the villagers, their forefathers first reached Tripura in 1940 and the journey continued till 1970.
The villagers of Golakpur, led by Waheh Shnong (traditional head) Director Pohthmi and Minus Marten, received the KHADC members.
In this village, there are 29 families belonging to the Dkhar and Pohthmi clans which have their roots in War Jaiñtia area of Meghalaya.
Chyne urged the TTAADC to look into the problems faced by the Khasi-Pnar people who are being recognised as Scheduled Tribes of Tripura.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of TTAADC, Budhilian Hrangkhawl, assured that the council in Tripura will support the Khasi- Pnar people even as he urged them to come forward if they have any grievances.
The villagers also informed that there are around four villages like Kurma, Dartuicherra, Hilsara and Jalai which are inhabited by Khasi-Pnar people.
The villagers are mostly dependent on agriculture and are faced with problems such as underdevelopment and lack of schools.
Later, the KHADC members visited Balicherra village which has 11 Khasi-Pnar families.
These 11 families belong to the Pasleiñ and Swer clans.
Others who accompanied the CEM were Executive Members Martle Mukhim, Grace Mary Kharpuri, Teiborlang Pathaw, Mitchell Wankhar and Rangkynsai Kharbuki.