SHILLONG, FEB 27: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has strongly condemned the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) chief and Nongkrem legislator Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit for omitting “Jaintia” while referring to the state’s reservation policy, calling it “reckless, irresponsible, and politically motivated”.

In a press statement issued on Friday, JNC General Secretary Wanshwa Suting said Basaiawmoit’s remarks deliberately erased the Jaintia community, despite constitutional recognition as a distinct tribal group.

“Who gave you the authority to erase us?” the statement asked.

The JNC cited the Jaintia Kingdom’s ancient history and Meghalaya’s 1972 formation, where Jaintia Hills District and JHADC were established, acknowledging the community’s distinct identity.

“We were never divided. Our unity is not a political project, it’s our identity, our blood, our ancestral covenant,” the statement read, rejecting Basaiawmoit’s alleged “unification” call.

The JNC supported Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar’s rejection of Basaiawmoit’s statement, affirming “Khasi-Jaintia” as the accepted reference.

“Do not use our communities for political gains,” the JNC warned, urging MLAs to protect Jaintia interests.

“We will not be used as political currency,” Suting said, concluding the statement.

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