SHILLONG: The members of the Kur Thangkhiew Lai Kpoh (clan) mostly women staged a one-day hunger strike on Friday in front of the Syiem of Mylliem office in opposition to the appointment of Nathaniel Thangkhiew as the new Basan (traditional chief) of Nongkseh.
The members of the clan argued that the appointment of the new Basan by the Syiem of Mylliem was illegal without the knowledge of majority of the members of the clan.
“The Syiem of Mylliem has made the appointment on the directive of the KHADC,” Kur Thankhiew Lai Kpoh secretary Kyrmenskhem Thangkhiew said while also arguing that this appointment was made without following the mandatory procedures like the holding of the elections.
He said that the appointment order to the new Basan was issued in a very suspicious way.
“Normally, the appointment order is issued during the day time. But this time, the order was issued at night,” Thangkhiew said.
The clan secretary demanded that new Basan to resign even as stating that if he really wants to become the Basan then he should be ready to fight by way of an election.
“The general council meeting of the clan would be held on Monday to decide on their future course of action,” he added.
Meanwhile, KHADC CEM Pynshngain N Syiem said that the appointment of the new Basan was made on the recommendations made by the Rangbah Kur (head of the clan).
“As per the convention, the election of the Basan of Nongkseh is being made as per the recommendations of the Rangbah Kur after holding the general meeting of the clan. There was never an occasion where election was held for appointment of the Basan,” Syiem said.
