HITO raises Khasi State flag, urge Guv’s intervention for implementation of IOA&AA

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 18, 2025

The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) marked August 17, 2025, by raising the flag of the Khasi State at Lum Shillong. 

This symbolic act serves as a reminder to the Meghalaya government to take action on directives issued by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in 2012 and 2014 emphasizing the need to incorporate Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement into the Constitution of India as a special Article, ensuring the rights and status of the Khasi and Jaintia people.

On the same day, HITO also submitted a memorandum to Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar, seeking his intervention in implementing the rights of the Khasi and Jaintia people as outlined in the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement signed on August 17, 1948.

According to the HITO, the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement recognizes the unique status and rights of the Khasi states, which remain unfulfilled despite being signed over 75 years ago.

“We respectfully request your urgent intervention with the Government of Meghalaya. 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 outlined in the aforementioned agreements,” HITO president Donbok Dkhar said in the memorandum.

He stated that the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) issued directives in 2012 and 2014, emphasizing the need to incorporate treaty agreements into the Constitution of India and fulfill commitments to ensure the rightful status of the Khasi and Jaintia people.

“The day of August 17, 1948, marks a profound milestone in our history, as it was then that Shri C Rajagopalachari, the then Governor-General of India, accepted the Instrument of Accession and the Annexed Agreement, thereby affirming our unique status as a people and the protection of our cultural identity,” Dkhar said while emphasizing that the delay in executing promises made in the agreement has significant implications for the social, cultural, and legal standing of the Khasi and Jaintia community.