Shillong, September 24: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has demanded that the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) convene a special session to adopt a resolution urging the state government to include the Pnar language under the Meghalaya State Language Act. The group also pressed for a special law to safeguard indigenous customs and traditions of the Jaintia community.
A JNC delegation led by general secretary Wanshwa Suting met JHADC chief Thombor Shiwat to present the demands. The delegation stressed that recognizing Pnar, the mother tongue of the Jaintia people, is vital for cultural preservation and rightful representation within Meghalaya.
In a statement, the JNC noted, “The Pnar language is central to the identity of the Jaintia Hills. The JHADC must play a proactive role in urging the government to grant it official recognition under the Meghalaya State Language Act. Equally important is the need for a strong law that protects our customs, particularly the way we honor our mothers with titles - a practice that defines our unique heritage.”
JHADC Chief’s Response
Responding to the delegation, Shiwat recalled that the JHADC had already approved recognition of the A-B Jaiñtia alphabet, officially announced in the Meghalaya Gazette in 2021. He said the matter is currently under review by the state law department and assured that he would follow it up for the benefit of the Jaintia people.
The JNC, however, emphasized that the JHADC should start utilizing the A-B Jaiñtia script in its official work, particularly in legislative documents and public notifications. They also suggested introducing the script in schools under JHADC’s jurisdiction to ensure its active use among the younger generation.
Call for Protection of Traditions
The JNC further highlighted the uniqueness of Jaintia customs, particularly the matrilineal tradition where children inherit titles through their mothers. According to the organization, this practice sets the community apart from other ethnic groups in the region and must be safeguarded against external influences.
“In today’s world, some individuals are attempting to mislead our community into altering this tradition. The JHADC must enact a law that safeguards our cultural identity and prevents others from claiming our heritage and land,” the JNC said.
The council reiterated that protecting both the Pnar language and the community’s customs is critical to ensuring the continuity of their cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.
Broader Context
The demand for recognition of the Pnar language has been a longstanding issue in Meghalaya. While Khasi and Garo are already recognized under the Meghalaya State Language Act, the Jaintia community has consistently voiced concerns that its language and script deserve equal recognition. The A-B Jaiñtia alphabet, formally approved by the JHADC in 2021, remains under review at the state level, with community groups urging quicker implementation.
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The JNC’s renewed call puts pressure on the JHADC to take a stronger stand and ensure that Pnar language and Jaintia traditions receive legal and institutional safeguards.
