Rangbah Shnongs ask JHADC to constitute special panel
JOWAI: The Ka Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong – the umbrella organization of all headmen in Jaintia Hills has demanded constitution of a JHADC Special Committee which will include some headmen to discuss and frame a bill to define the powers and function of headmen in the two districts.
The demand was made during the general council of the headmen held at the District Library Auditorium here on Tuesday. Around 300 headmen from both East and West Jaintia Hills attended the meeting.
“We have decided to support the move of the Ka Dorbar ki Rangbah Shnongs Ri Jaintia headed by former MLA Sing Mulieh and prominent lawyer Erwin K Sutnga to appeal the High Court of Meghalaya to reconsider its verdict on the function of the headmen in Khasi and Jaintia Hills,” L.D. Lakiang, Rangbah Shnong of Ladthadlaboh and a former social worker, said during media interactions after the general council.
He also informed that leaders and members of the Synjuk will meet the leaders of Ka Dorbar ki Rangbah Shnongs Ri Jaintia and also the JHADC Chief in the next few days, he added.
According to Lakiang, Dorbar Shnongs in Khasi and Jaintia Hills have been practicing a direct democracy system since time immemorial, which was recognized by the British Government and later by the Indian Parliament.
“Rangbah Shnongs fall under the Autonomous District Council empowered by the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and since Autonomous areas are beyond the Municipality and Panchayat jurisdictions, Rangbah Shnongs have played an important role in bringing peace and harmony in the State,” Lakiang added.
Lakiang also said that there are instances where the District Administration, the Police Department and even the Court of law need verification and relevant proof from the Rangbah Shnong of the respective village.
The court also requires death certificates of accused to dispose of cetain cases, he added.
Lakiang also requested the District Council to ensure that the powers and functions of the Rangbah Shnongs are not abolished.