Shillong, September 24: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has called on the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) to hold a special session to push for recognition of the Pnar language under the Meghalaya State Language Act and to frame laws that protect the community’s unique customs and traditions.
In a meeting with JHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Thombor Shiwat today, JNC leaders led by General Secretary Wanshwa Suting raised concerns over the preservation of language and culture in Jaintia Hills. The organization noted that it has long been part of the movement urging the state government to recognize Pnar, which they described as central to the region, and has spread the demand widely through the Save Jaintia Mission.
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The JNC placed three key demands before the CEM:
1. A-B Jaintia alphabet: Apply it in official documents, legislative records, notifications, and schools; urge state recognition of Pnar.
2. Safeguard traditions: Protect the practice of giving titles through the mother; prevent outside interference and assert cultural uniqueness.
3. Special session: Convene a council session to discuss language and cultural issues.
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Responding to the delegation, CEM Thombor Shiwat agreed with the concerns raised and assured follow-up action in the coming days, saying the move would benefit all people of Jaintia. He also noted that the matter of the A-B Jaintia alphabet has already been forwarded to the state government and is currently under review by the law department.