SHILLONG: The Working President of the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) Thomas Passah has strongly criticised the recently tabled report on the state’s Reservation Policy, alleging that it reflects the stand of the ruling government rather than that of an independent Expert Committee.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, KHNAM leader Thomas Passah said the report appeared to mirror the position of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government from the very beginning.
Passah said that KHNAM had opposed the constitution of the Expert Committee from the outset. Despite objections, he claimed, the government went ahead and appointed members from outside the state who, according to him, failed to understand the sentiments and emotions of the local population.
He alleged that the committee’s conclusions showed no deviation from the government’s original stand.
“From the beginning until now, there is no change. The committee has only reiterated what the MDA had already said,” he stated.
He added that the entire exercise amounted to a waste of public time and money, with the Reservation Policy effectively returning to “zero.”
The KHNAM leader further claimed that the committee failed to properly record and incorporate suggestions submitted by stakeholders.
He said the party had recommended removing the “Autonomous State” reference under the State Reorganisation Act, 1972, arguing that Meghalaya is now a full-fledged state and no longer an autonomous one. However, he alleged that the committee neither accepted nor addressed this proposal.
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According to Passah, several other submissions made by political parties and civil society groups were also overlooked.
Alleging that the report originated from the MDA’s office rather than from public consultations, Passah questioned legislators who had earlier demanded the formation of the Expert Committee.
He asked whether they were satisfied with the outcome, given that the committee had been constituted at their insistence.
He also expressed disappointment over the lack of meaningful discussion on the seven issues placed before the committee, stating that none had reached a clear or concrete conclusion.
“Those who submitted suggestions will admit that no real progress was made. This reflects authoritarian governance,” he remarked.
Reiterating the party’s position, Passah said KHNAM had proposed 80 per cent reservation for Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities, or 50 per cent reservation exclusively for the Khasi community, if required.
He maintained that these proposals were aimed at ensuring greater social justice and protecting indigenous interests.
Passah said KHNAM does not accept the Expert Committee’s report and considers it a political document of the MDA government rather than an independent and objective assessment.
He asserted that the party would continue to oppose the report and demand a more transparent and people-centric review of the Reservation Policy.
