SHILLONG: The Federation of Khasi States has taken a strong exception over the attempt of the present Executive Committee in the KHADC to alter with the election process of the traditional chiefs in various Himas and Elakas.
“We strongly oppose this move to abolish the practice which was prevailing since time immemorial. We would like to see that there is no alteration in the election process,” FKS spokesperson John F Kharshiing told newsmen while addressing a press conference here on Friday.
While pointing out that the democratic system practised by the Khasis was different from Indian democracy, he said that the election of a Syiem in the various Khasi chiefdoms is done by selected clans who have the right to occupy the chair.
“We are not following the system where the Syiem is elected by way of universal adult suffrage,” Kharshiing said.
According to him traditionally only pre determined clans form the electoral college can elect a Khasi chief.
Meanwhile, Kharshiing denounced the recent statement of the KHADC CEM Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit that the present EC does not recognise Kharshiing and the FKS.
Kharshiing pointed that last year on October 21 President Pranab Mukherjee met a delegation of the traditional heads while he was on a visit of the state. He also pointed out instances where on various occasion formers Presidents – APJ Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Devisingh Patil communicated to the traditional chiefs of the state.
He also took offence to the statement of Basaiawmoit saying that he (CEM) will find out which Hima /Elaka are with Kharshiing.
While referring to a news report which appeared in a section of the media, he said that the KHADC CEM had stated that the present EC will find out all who all are associated with this Dorbar Khlieh Nongsynshar and will punish and persecute them as per law as this Dorbar is a only a political platform of the vice president of the Congress (Kharshiing) meant for his self interest’.
He said that the manner of threat and intimidation, from the CEM, is a clear abuse of authority just because his party is in power adding that this is a clear violation of Human Rights and the right to freely associate for good and rightful purposes.
“Such threat does not find a place in today’s world. Such words are unbecoming of a person holding the post of CEM. I earnestly urge upon the traditional heads not to be scared by such threats,” he said.
Kharshiing also said that the KHADC Appointment and Succession of Chiefs and Headmen Act 1959, enables one to dislodge a duly appointed chief at the whims and fancies of vested interests.
“Is he open to bring transparency to the KHADC Appointment and Succession of Chiefs and Headmen Act 1959,” Kharshiing added.
Meanwhile, he also expressed concerned over the delay in codifying the laws of the various Himas of the Khasi state. “It has been 62 years of the existence of the KHADC but the codification of tradition and practices in all the Himas is yet to be completed,” Kharshiing said.
He informed that out of the 53 Himas only Hima Nongstoin and Hima Maharam has its own Acts and Rules.
