Prominent indigenous organisations in Meghalaya have condemned Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma’s recent claim that Meghalaya is a “Christian state,” asserting that such remarks undermine India’s secular principles. Seng Khasi Kmie, a leading indigenous body, criticized the minister’s statement, with its president, O Pyngrope, urging public officials to respect the Constitution. “India is a secular state. Leaders must uphold the sanctity of the Constitution and avoid divisive statements,” Pyngrope said.
The controversy arose after Minister Sangma justified plans to include Christian rituals in the inauguration of Captain Williamson Sangma State University, arguing, “If the Parliament can be blessed with Hindu rituals, why not Christian rituals in a Christian state?”
Seng Khasi Kmie insisted the university’s inauguration should remain secular, avoiding religious affiliations. Supporting this view, Seinraij Jowai, another indigenous group, emphasized Meghalaya’s pre-Christian heritage. “Before the British era, the region practiced only Indigenous faiths, celebrating festivals like Behdienkhlam, Chad Sukra, and Shad Suk Mynsiem,” the group noted.
