Shillong: Vivanstone G Kharngapkynta, the United Democratic Party candidate for the Shillong Parliamentary by-election, is calling for the use of the Khasi language in state courts. A senior lawyer at the Meghalaya High Court, Kharngapkynta argues that rural residents struggle to navigate legal proceedings conducted entirely in English.
While the state government recently passed an ordinance to include Khasi and Garo under the Meghalaya State Language Act, Kharngapkynta emphasized that the policy requires legislative backing to become permanent. He noted that rural litigants often fail to grasp the nuances of their own cases because their statements require constant translation. Beyond court reform, he supports the Khasi Authors’ Society in its bid to have the Khasi language added to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Addressing his transition to the UDP, Kharngapkynta stated that the party provides a necessary regional platform to safeguard the rights of indigenous people. He clarified that his past affiliations with organizations like the BJP were focused on public welfare rather than electoral gain. This campaign marks his first time seeking public office.
If elected to Parliament, Kharngapkynta plans to prioritize the resolution of the interstate border dispute and the protection of tribal autonomy. He intends to focus on strengthening the Autonomous District Councils to ensure they remain shielded from external interests.
Comments