Seng Khasi Movement
The Seng Khasi movement, also known as the Khasi Students' Union,[1] is a social and political movement that originated in the Khasi Hills region of the Indian state of Meghalaya. The movement was founded in the 1899 by a group of Khasi[2] who were concerned about the loss of traditional Khasi culture and values due to the influence of British colonial rule and Christian missionaries.[3][4]
Seng Khasi Movement | |
---|---|
सेंग खासी आंदोलन | |
![]() | |
Foundation | 1899 |
Country | India |
Motives | Khasi proposed Autonomy |
Active regions | Meghalaya |
Ideology | Khasi Minority Rights, Autonomy |
The Seng Khasi movement has had a long and tumultuous history. It began as a cultural and social organization, with a focus on preserving and promoting Khasi language, literature, and art. However, as the movement grew in strength and influence, it became more politically active, advocating for the rights and interests of the Khasi people.[5] In the early 1960s, the Seng Khasi movement played a significant role in the formation of the state of Meghalaya, which was created out of the former state of Assam. The movement also played a key role in the establishment of the Autonomous District Councils, which were created to give the Khasi people more control over their own affairs.[6][7]
In recent years, the Seng Khasi movement has continued to be active in advocating for the rights of the Khasi people, including their land rights, cultural rights, and political representation. The movement has also worked to promote education and development in the Khasi Hills region.[8] Despite its many accomplishments, the Seng Khasi movement has faced its share of challenges and controversies. It has been criticized for its sometimes confrontational approach to political issues, and for its alleged involvement in incidents of violence and intimidation.[9][10][11]
Despite these challenges, the Seng Khasi movement remains an important and influential force in the Khasi Hills region, and continues to play a key role in shaping the political and social landscape of Meghalaya. The movement has historically supported greater autonomy and self-governance for the Khasi Hills region and its people.[12][13] While the Autonomous District Councils have provided some degree of autonomy to the Khasi Hills region, the Seng Khasi movement has continued to push for greater autonomy and self-governance. Some members of the movement have called for the establishment of a separate state for the Khasi people within India,[14] while others have advocated for the creation of a separate country for the Khasi people (Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council). However, these calls for greater autonomy or independence have not gained widespread support among the Khasi people, and the Seng Khasi movement has not actively pursued these goals. Instead, the movement has focused on advocating for the rights and interests of the Khasi people within the framework of the Indian constitutional system.[15]
References
- "Meghalaya: Khasi Students' Union to organise black-flag day in the entire Khasi-Jaintia Hills on November 23". India Today NE. 2022-11-23. Retrieved 2022-12-25.
- "Seng Khasi: An unshakeable pillar of cultural significance". The Shillong Times. 2022-08-28. Retrieved 2022-12-25.
- "Meghalaya: Seng Khasi Movement Day - GKToday". www.gktoday.in. Retrieved 2022-12-25.
- "Less we forget about the history of the Seng Khasi's year ending day — 'Ka Seng Kut Snem'". thenortheasttoday.com. 2016-11-23. Retrieved 2022-12-25.
- "Seng Khasi fest begins today". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 2022-12-25.
- Bureau, The Meghalayan (2022-05-16). "Building a Legacy: Revisiting ideas of "Father of Modern Khasis"". The Meghalayan. Retrieved 2022-12-25.
- VibeThemes; Dutta, Dr Ankita (2022-05-28). "Ramayana Parampara among the Khasis of Meghalaya & the Seng Khasi Movement". Home. Retrieved 2022-12-25.
- Manosh Das (Nov 25, 2019). "Meghalaya: Festival marks 109th anniversary of Seng Khasi movement | Shillong News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2022-12-25.
- "Seng Khasi lore of severed link between heaven and earth plays out in locals' lives in Smit, Meghalaya-India News , Firstpost". Firstpost. 2019-12-26. Retrieved 2022-12-25.
- "Seng Khasi College, Shillong". sengkhasicollege.in. Retrieved 2022-12-25.
- IANS (2018-11-23). "Khasi fest Seng Kut Snem celebrated in Meghalaya". Business Standard India. Retrieved 2022-12-25.
- Shillong, Ka Jingshai-An e-zine of Ramakrishna Mission. "Online Class". Retrieved 2022-12-25.
- "What is Seng Kut Snem and Its Importance for the Khasis in Meghalaya?". News18. 2022-11-23. Retrieved 2022-12-25.
- Das, N. K. "Insurgency, Autonomy Movement and Misgovernance in North East India".
{{cite journal}}
: Cite journal requires|journal=
(help) - "social and political movements in India" (PDF).