SHILLONG: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) and the Jaintia National Council (JNC) have strongly condemned alleged remarks by Voice of the People Party (VPP) President and Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, accusing him of attempting to exclude or merge the Pnar/Jaintia community under the broader Khasi identity in matters related to the State Reservation Policy.
In separate statements issued on Friday, both organisations asserted that the Jaintia (Pnar) community has enjoyed constitutionally recognised Scheduled Tribe (ST) status since 1972, and any attempt to remove or dilute this identity is unacceptable.
The JSU emphasised that Meghalaya officially comprises three distinct indigenous tribes — Khasi, Jaintia and Garo, each with separate cultural, linguistic and administrative recognition, including their respective Autonomous District Councils.
The Union further noted that ST certificates issued by government authorities clearly identify residents of Jaintia Hills as belonging to the Jaintia (Pnar) community, reaffirming their distinct constitutional identity despite historical and cultural similarities with the Khasi community.
Meanwhile, the JNC termed Basaiawmoit’s alleged suggestion to use only the term “Khasi” in reservation-related references as irresponsible and politically motivated, stating that both Khasi and Jaintia tribes are separately recognised under the Constitution of India.
The Council also extended support to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar for rejecting any move that undermines the established “Khasi–Jaintia” identity framework used in governance and reservation policies.
Calling for unity, both organisations urged the Jaintia community to remain vigilant and united to safeguard their identity, warning against any political attempt to merge, erase or reinterpret constitutionally recognised tribal identities in Meghalaya.
