Take immediate steps to empower traditional bodies: UDP to Govt

SHILLONG: The UDP has made a fervent appeal to the Government and the KHADC to immediately take steps to empower the traditional institutions in the State.
“The Government should take up the matter in the right earnest and treat it as top priority. Delay in following up the matter will adversely affect the functionality of all traditional institutions which will in turn have serious repercussions,” UDP general secretary Allantry F Dkhar said in a statement issued here on Wednesday.
While referring to the arrest of the Sordar of Wahkhen, in relation to the contempt of court proceedings, he said that it is unfortunate that lack of proper legal advice has led to such a situation.
“It is wrong on the part of the executive to keep the matter lingering as it directly affects the day-to-day requirements of the people. The party strongly advocates the enactment of the Village Administration Bill to end this legal tussle,” Dkhar said.
Dkhar also informed that the party is yet to receive a copy of the Court order that has led to the arrest of the Sordar of Wahkhen.
HYC demand
Meanwhile, the HYC has also demanded the KHADC to pass an executive order empowering the Rangbah Shnong within its jurisdiction to give ‘interim relief’ to the traditional heads whose powers have been curtailed following a High Court ruling last year.
After a meeting with Executive Member in charge Elaka, KP Pangngiang on Wednesday, HYC president, Peter Lawai said, “The Council can empower the Rangbah Shnong to issue the NOC and residential certificates through the modification of the sanad (appointment letter) issued to him.”
Lawai also informed that Pangngiang assured them that a special committee involving constitutional experts will be constituted to come up with concrete suggestions on empowering the Rangbah Shnong to end the current stalemate.