Powers of traditional heads
SHILLONG: Deputy Chief Minister Rowell Lyngdoh has indicated that Government will shortly come up with a law clearly defining powers and functions of traditional heads including the Rangbah Shnong.
According to him, the Government has already initiated consultation with various traditional heads both in Khasi-Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills.
“During the consultation the traditional heads had also impressed upon the State Government to come up with a State legislation to address the current stalemate following the High Court ruling which had questioned the role of the Rangbah Shnong,” Lyngdoh said here on Sunday.
He also said the Government understood the seriousness of this issue. “We have already appointed a 50-member committee under the leadership of former Chief Minister DD Lapang to examine the possibilities of formulating a State legislation to empower the traditional institutions in the State,” the Deputy Chief Minister, who holds law portfolio, said.
When asked about the recent statement of the chief adviser to Government DD Lapang on the High Court ruling, Lyngdoh, however, refused to comment. “The decision to appeal on the ruling of High Court will have to be collectively taken by the Government,” Lyngdoh said.
Meanwhile, the HSPDP had also urged the State Government to come up with a State Law to define powers and functions of the Rangbah Shnong. The HSPDP will be convening a meeting of the Rangbah Shnong and other traditional heads of Khasi and Jaintia Hills at Khasi National Durbar Hall on Monday at 12 pm.
“We will decide our future course of action during the meeting,” HSPDP vice-president Ardent Basaiawmoit said.