However, for administrative convenience, particularly in the categorisation of the State's reservation policy, the Jaintia are hyphenated with the Khasi under the term "Khasi-Jaintia."
While this may appear to be a minor technical expression, the use of the hyphen has gradually created a perception that the Jaintia are merely a sub-tribe of the Khasi. This is historically and culturally inaccurate. The Jaintia community has its own distinct identity, traditions, and rich history, just as the Khasi and Garo do. Language used in official classifications carries symbolic as well as practical significance. When two communities are joined with a hyphen, it can unintentionally suggest subordination or assimilation of one into the other. Over time, such usage risks blurring the distinct identity of the Jaintia people.
A simple corrective step would be to replace the hyphen with the symbol "&", thereby writing the category as "Khasi & Jaintia." This small but meaningful change would preserve administrative convenience while clearly recognising that the Khasi and Jaintia are two separate tribes within the same reservation category.
In a state that prides itself on respecting the identity and dignity of its indigenous communities, clarity in official terminology is important and should not be overlooked. Recognising each tribe with due respect strengthens the spirit of inclusiveness and mutual recognition that Meghalaya stands for.
I hope the concerned authorities will consider this suggestion and initiate the necessary correction in official documents and classifications.
Yours etc.,
Mantre Hame Dkhar,
Via email

Iran's Ferocious Retaliation

Editor,
The United States of America and the Israel have now become self-appointed sheriff of the global order. For 70 years, the empire pumped bullshit into the world. "We're the good guys." "We spread democracy." "We protect human rights."The fan is now spinning at maximum RPM after Iran's retaliation. And like they say, the shit has hit the ceiling and exploded it.
I hate this two- letter word INTERNATIONAL LAW; it was never meant to restrain the powerful, it was built to legitimize their power and to silence everyone else. Netanyahu has been given free reign to bomb whoever he likes, attack whenever he wants. He pointed his finger and the USA saluted and reached for its wallet. The whole rotten crew thinks human rights begin and end at Israel's border. The faces of the 165 school girls they killed are remembered . Their blood cries out from the earth. Smallest coffins are the heaviest.
Before its attack, the US had spent years trying to starve the people of Iran but the strategy failed. Why? Because it ignored the simplest of facts: that the people being abused are human beings, who will always choose freedom and dignity over degradation and subordination.
Khamenei is now a martyr characterized by his courage and loyalty to his people. He did not hide in a bunker as the cowardly Netanyahu does every time a siren goes off. Nor did the Khamenei hide for cover - he worked where he always did for his people. According to sources deep within Iran's security structure, Khamenei issued a series of classified directives in the weeks before the strike. Not panicked memos. Not desperate calls. Calm, methodical instructions on exactly what would happen when they killed him. Khamenei had built a hydra. Cut off one head, and a dozen more grow back. Every key military and government role had multiple layers of succession. Not just names on paper-actual, trained, ready-to-go replacements. The system was designed to continue operating without pause even if the entire leadership was eliminated in one blow.
What Iran Has Achieved in 10 days:
12 countries have been touched by Iranian retaliation. 30 American bases are burning or damaged, 2 THAAD systems worth billions are now scrap metal. Oil prices at $92.69 and climbing The Strait of Hormuz effectively closed. Global shipping in cardiac arrest.
Iran is fighting a rearguard action to restore a little geopolitical sanity. If Iran loses, or the US succeeds without paying a fearsome price, God only knows where Israel and Washington will drag the world next. The world's fate, in a real sense, is in Tehran's hands. The martyrs of the first 10 days; the 165 schoolgirls of Minab; the scientists; the commanders; the leader. They are watching. They are waiting. They are witnessing.
Yours etc.,
M.Haque.
Shillong 6

GHADC Needs Urgent Reforms; Not Just Elections

Editor,
With the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) scheduled for next month, this moment offers an important opportunity for both the electorate and aspiring representatives to reflect on the institutional health of the council and the reforms it urgently requires.
The district councils were established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India with the noble objective of safeguarding the customs, traditions and self-governance of the indigenous tribal communities. However, for this vision to be realised in practice, the functioning of the GHADC must evolve to become more transparent, structured and accountable.
One important reform that deserves serious consideration is the introduction of live streaming of council sessions. In an era, where transparency in governance is increasingly expected, the people of the Garo Hills should be able to witness the proceedings and debates of their elected representatives. Broadcasting the sessions would not only keep citizens informed but would also enhance accountability and public trust in the institution.
Equally important is the need to ensure that council proceedings are conducted in a fair and orderly manner. There have been instances where the conduct of sessions appears to depend largely on the whims and fancies of the Chairman. To address this, the council should consider constituting an advisory or procedural committee that would guide the conduct of proceedings and ensure that institutional rules and democratic principles are consistently upheld.
Another significant issue that requires attention is the preservation of the cultural and social identity of the Garo people. In this regard, the Council could explore the enactment of a lineage protection law similar to that adopted by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC). Such legislation could serve as an alternative institutional mechanism to safeguard and preserve the identity and lineage of the Garos for generations to come. This becomes particularly relevant in the present context where there has been considerable public debate and a growing demand for codification of Garo customary laws. Much of the concern expressed by the public stems from the belief that such legal measures are necessary to ensure that the identity and traditional lineage of the community remain protected.
A well codified lineage act would also help address the growing misuse of Garo identity in certain instances. There have been concerns that individuals adopt or assume Garo surnames to avail the benefits of ST reservation or to gain access to land rights that are otherwise protected for indigenous communities. Furthermore, in a society that traditionally follows a matrilineal system, there have been cases where individuals claim Garo identity through their fathers rather than their mothers, which runs contrary to the established customary practices. Clear legal provisions defining lineage and identity would therefore help prevent such misuse while safeguarding the integrity of Garo customs and traditions.
At the same time, aspiring representatives must also reflect on the true purpose of the council. The GHADC should not be viewed merely as a political stepping stone for individuals seeking to build their profile in preparation for future legislative assembly elections. Rather, those who seek the mandate of the people must enter the council with a genuine commitment to reforming and strengthening the institution itself. The focus must be on improving governance, protecting indigenous identity and ensuring that the council fulfills the responsibilities entrusted to it.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, it is essential that candidates present not only promises but also a clear vision for institutional reform. The upcoming election should therefore be seen not merely as a political contest but as an opportunity to restore public confidence and improve the functioning of the GHADC.
Yours etc.,
Asher M. Marak
Via email