Shillong: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council wants to put up a life-size statue of JJM Nichols Roy at its headquarters. This move honors the man who helped shape the Sixth Schedule, which guarantees tribal land rights and community protections. Plans are part of a massive 75th anniversary event spanning from October 30 through October 2027.
Winston Tony Lyngdoh leads the steering committee. He spoke with reporters on Monday about the potential for a closing ceremony at the Khasi Heritage Village in Mawphlang. "These are still at the discussion stage, and nothing has been finalised," Lyngdoh said. The council has already held four meetings to plan the festivities.
Several sub-committees now manage logistics, finance, media, and cultural events. These teams include all MDCs from both ruling and Opposition parties. Titostarwell Chyne serves on the committee, though MDCs who currently hold MLA seats were left off the list to avoid scheduling conflicts. The inaugural event in October will stay small. No VVIPs will attend the three-hour ceremony held on campus grounds.
Work continues on several fronts. A December workshop will focus on culture. A souvenir committee is currently gathering stories from former members, while a research group digs through old archives to document the council's history. Funding remains the next hurdle. The KHADC plans to ask the state and Centre for cash while also seeking money through corporate social responsibility deals.
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