Shillong, August 17, 2025: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has submitted a memorandum to Meghalaya Governor Shri C. H. Vijayashankar, seeking his urgent intervention in what it described as the “long-pending implementation” of the commitments made to the Khasi and Jaiñtia people under the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement of 1948.
In the memorandum, HITO reminded that the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement were signed on August 17, 1948, and accepted by the then Governor-General of India, Shri C. Rajagopalachari, formally recognizing the unique status of the Khasi States. However, the organization expressed concern that the commitments contained in the documents remain unfulfilled, impacting the social, cultural, and legal standing of the Khasi and Jaiñtia communities.
“We urge your personal attention with the State Government to respond and submit a comprehensive report to the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the implementation of the National Solemn Commitments,” the memorandum stated. It further cited the directives issued by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in 2012 and 2014, which recommended incorporating the treaty agreements into the Constitution of India through a special Article.
The organization emphasized that August 17 remains a significant date in Khasi-Jaiñtia history, marking the official recognition of their distinct identity within the Union of India. “The delay in executing the promises made in this agreement is a matter of great concern for our community,” HITO noted.
The petition, signed by HITO President Shri Donbok Dkhar and General Secretary Shri Wanbun N. Dkhar, called on the Governor to take decisive steps to ensure that the historical and constitutional rights of the Khasi and Jaiñtia people are respected and upheld.
