By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The UDP Shillong city unit has strongly opposed the proposed amendment of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, elector and Rangbah Shnong of Mylliem Syiemship) Bill, 2012 which was introduced on the first day of the KHADC budget session here.
The KHADC Executive Committee (EC) intended to amend Section 20 of the Act to pave way for Mahindro Rapsang to contest the upcoming Assembly elections in 2013 without relinquishing his responsibility as Myntri of the Hima.
While criticising the
proposed amendment, UDP Shillong City secretary Allantry Franklin Dkhar said that it is surprising to see the EC trying to pass the amendment to suit the interest of an individual.
“It is uncalled for on part of the EC to disregard the very fundamentals of the indigenous traditional institutions, once regarded as the essence of true democracy, by blatantly circumventing prescribed rules and procedures of putting the proposed amendment in circulation for a minimum of 30 days,” he said.
Dkhar added that it is also sad to see the EC attempting to surreptitiously pass the amendment to suit its vested interests.
The Party also urged upon all the members of the KHADC to vehemently oppose the proposed amendment while impressing upon the House that such a move would amount to destruction of the very foundation upon which the traditional institutions have survived.
Meanwhile, the MDCs are expected to debate on the proposed amendment during the concluding day of the budget session on Tuesday.
On the first day of the budget session, majority of the MDCs had opposed the amendment.
Jaiaw KHNAM Adelbert Nongrum questioned the need for a second Amendment of the bill adding that the bill was finalised without the knowledge of the MDCs.
Coming down hard on Executive Member (EM) in charge of Elaka, Lamphrang Blah, Nongrum said “The hush-hush manner in which the bill was introduced raises suspicion over the ultimate motive of the move.”
He also stated that the amendment will endanger the indigenous communities of the State.
Nongrum’s stand was supported by other members of the House who suggested that the bill should be forwarded to the select committee in order to ensure that it does not affect the traditional rights of the people.
Meanwhile, the KHADC Chairman has resolved to allow the bill to be studied and given time till June 22 for the members to put forward their opinion.
It may be mentioned that the Dorbar Hima of Mylliem Syiemship had threatened to move to Court if the KHADC refuses to amend the Act.
Earlier, the KHADC EC had summoned the Syiem of Mylliem, Latho Manik Syiem, on March 13 last to reply on his failure to respond to the letter regarding the complaint against his Myntri (Rapsang) for his alleged involvement in ‘active politics’.
It may be mentioned that Rapsang had accompanied Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh and Water Resources Minister AL Hek as an Election Observer during the Assembly election in Manipur in January last.