Shillong Aug 3: The pro-bill women group on Friday met Governor Ganga Prasad and urged him to give his assent to the Khasi Hill Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) (Second Amendment) Bill, 2018.

The Second Amendment Bill was passed by the KHADC on July 25. The Bill sought to deny a Khasi woman the Scheduled Tribe status and other privileges if she marries a non-Khasi man. Children born out of such marriage also cannot claim benefits.

The women who came together under the banner of Saiñdur, Tipkur Tipkha, Ieng, Ehrngiew, Khun Hynñiewtrep (STTIEKH) met the Governor at the Raj Bhavan and aired their support for the Bill.

After the meeting, Deiwi Tongper told reporters that the Governor has assured that he would study the Bill in detail and would also consult the Meghalaya government and the Ministry of Home Affairs before giving his assent.

“The Governor said that he would take a decision that will not hurt anybody,” she said.

During the day, the women group held a meeting at the Khasi National Dorbar Hall and expressed their support for the Bill.

They praised the KHADC chief executive member, H.S. Shylla and other MDCs for passing the Bill and slammed those who opposed the Bill.

A group of women who opposed Bill had also met the Governor last week. They submitted their views on the issue to the Governor abd urged him not to give his assent in haste.