Nomination of Malaisohmat Syiem
SHILLONG: The Dorbar Ki Khlieh Nongsynshar Ka Ri Hynniewtrep has condemned the alleged high handedness and politically motivated decision of the Executive Committee, KHADC, led by Ardent M Basaiawmoit, MLA and MDC, Chief Executive Member,(CEM), and KP Pangniang, MLA and MDC, Executive Member, in charge Elaka, KHADC from the HSPDP party who have issued orders on May 19 to do away with the customary and social practice and process of election and nomination of Syiem in Malaisohmat, by directing that the general public should participate to elect the Syiem.
This is a serious and disrespectful act by the KHADC, John F Kharshiing,Chairman, Ka Dorbar Ki Khlieh Nongsynshar Ka Ri Hynniewtrep said.
“This sacrilegious act by the District Council on the traditional institutions of self government is detrimental to the survival of the customary practices, and contradictory to the very objective and purpose for which the Sixth Schedule and District Councils was provided to protect which are the traditional institutions”, Kharshiing said.
This act reminds us of how dangerous it is when persons or individuals with little knowledge come to power and decide on important and critical issues such as customary laws and tradition. It is time to do away with political parties in the KHADC, he said.
It is known that this decision was based purely on political considerations by individuals close to the HSPDP. It is now clear that the HSPDP party which during the MDC elections claimed to be championing the cause of the ‘jaidbynriew’ has now taken decisions against the ‘jaidbynriew’ for promotion of individuals who are supposedly active supporters of the HSPDP, Kharshiing allged.
Kharshiing wanted to know whether the decision to destroy with one stroke what has been tradition in Hima Malaisohmat Syiemship for more than 100 years, by the CEM and EM incharge Elaka KHADC who heads the Executive Committee of ARPA which is supported by UDP, HSPDP, and KHNAM) has the mandate of the entire HSPDP.
The Dorbar sought clarification from the HSPDP which is leading the ARPA coalition and also from its coalition partners like the UDP and the KHNAM parties to openly state if they also support and subscribe to such ill advised decisions which is serious and detrimental to the very survival of the unique Khasi people.
“We also seek clarification from the Congress and the NCP MDCs who are also having representation in the KHADC to clarify their commitments to protection and preservation of the customary laws”. Kharshiing said.