SHILLONG: The Seng Khasi Mawsynram has urged the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) to remove a book titled “Dienjat ki Longshwa” written by Fr J Bacchiarello SDB from Italy, from its syllabus for allegedly showing in poor light the culture and beliefs of the Khasis.

In a complaint filed to the MBOSE Chairman, E.P. Kharbhih, president of Seng Khasi Mawsynram, Batistalang Myrthong and secretary, Bidi Myrthong said, “Through the incorporation of the book in the MBOSE syllabus, the State Government is attempting to preach and spread Christianity among students who practice traditional religion.”

“We demand the State Government to either remove the book completely from the MBOSE syllabus or to at least remove chapters 4, 12, 14, 17, 21, 24, 25, 49, 50, 51, 52 and 53,” they added.

The association said that taking into account India’s secular nature, all faiths should be equally respected.

It also advocated incorporation of books on indigenous religion like, ‘Ka Risaw Ka Niam Khasi’ and ‘Ka Theology jong ka Niam Khasi’ written by H Onderson Mawrie in MBOSE syllabus along with Vedas and Ramayana from Hinduism.