Shillong, Sept 4, 2025: The Meghalaya Indigenous Minority Scheduled Tribe Forum (MIMSTF) has urged the state government to safeguard the rights of minority Scheduled Tribes after remarks by the Working President of KHNAM, Thomas Passah, sparked controversy.

A delegation led by MIMSTF President Jibananda Koch and General Secretary Pankaj Rabha met Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang, IAS, at the Secretariat today to submit a memorandum. The Forum demanded that the government issue a public clarification, affirming that all indigenous Scheduled Tribes in Meghalaya enjoy equal recognition under the Constitution.

The leaders condemned a recent letter from KHNAM to the State Vigilance Commissioner, which claimed that Scheduled Tribe certificates were intended only for the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities. “Such statements are derogatory and disrespectful to other indigenous tribes of the state,” MIMSTF said.

Citing the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 and subsequent amendments, the Forum noted that communities such as the Hajong, Rabha, Koch, Boro, Mann, and Karbi are also notified as Scheduled Tribes in Meghalaya. “Any attempt to undermine their status contradicts the Constitution, which guarantees equal rights to all Scheduled Tribes,” the memorandum read.

MIMSTF further warned that divisive remarks risk disturbing peace, harmony, and unity among Meghalaya’s indigenous peoples. They stressed that the government must not allow any narrative that excludes minority tribes from recognition.

Copies of the memorandum were also submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, and Principal Secretary S. Kumar, IAS.

The development has galvanized leaders from the Hajong and Karbi communities, who have reiterated their demand for equal respect and treatment as Scheduled Tribes in Meghalaya.