SHILLONG, Feb 24: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday told the Assembly that his government will send researchers to Cambodia to study links between Khasi and Mon-Khmer groups through DNA testing and linguistic research.
Replying to the debate on the Governor’s Address, Sangma said the government will also launch micro-level studies into Garo ancestry, believed to be linked to Tibet and expand research into the state’s history and roots in the next financial year.
Close to 50 researchers under the CM Research programme are documenting traditions and culture across Meghalaya.
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Sangma said the government has sanctioned Rs 15 crore for Seng Khasi’s indigenous culture centre and Rs 17.26 crore to develop amenities at Smit for the Nongkrem dance and Pomblang ritual, with Rs 13.56 crore already released. Boundary walls and public facilities have been built at Lum Pomblang.
Heritage funding also includes Rs 50 lakh for an open-air museum at Wahmawpat in Mawsynram, an 18th-century settlement and Rs 1 crore for Syrwet U Barim to document oral wisdom.
“We realise the tradition and importance of this location and preserve the rich history of our people,” he said. (NNN)
