The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) on Wednesday defended its demand for a separate Khasi-Jaintia state, rejecting criticism that the move was a divisive agenda. The party maintained that the Garo and Khasi-Jaintia communities were distinct in terms of language, culture, tradition, and customs, and that conflicts of interest often arose, particularly in matters related to employment.
HSPDP president KP Pangniang, when asked about criticisms that the demand was an attempt to divide the state, said such an allegation was “totally wrong.” He stated that the party has been pursuing the demand since 1987 and that it was a constitutional right. According to him, the issue was neither new nor unconstitutional, but a legitimate aspiration backed by provisions of the Constitution of India.
He emphasised that it was not aimed at creating a division but at recognising two unique identities that have coexisted with differences for decades.