SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has invited the umbrella body of headmen, Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri u Hynniewtrep (SNSBH) for talks to discuss various issues concerning the empowerment of traditional institutions.
The invitation, as announced by the headmen on Saturday, comes a day after the state government allowed the government servants to function as headmen with prior permission.
The headmen had a meeting on Saturday to discuss the invitation of the Chief Minister for talks.
The proposed meeting with traditional heads assumes significance in the context of the recent ruling of the High Court of Meghalaya , asking the state government to frame rules for the headmen.
The state government is planning to approach the Supreme Court against certain observations in the order of the High Court.
There is urgency on the part of Chief Minister to call the meeting with the headmen in Khasi Hills probably to avoid more criticism after he recently called a meeting of Nokmas in Garo Hills.
There was reaction from KHNAM and others for the selective meeting convened by the Chief Minister in Garo Hills with Nokmas ignoring the plight of headmen in Khasi Hills.
During the meeting on Saturday, the headmen decided to convene a general meeting on Wednesday at Wahingdoh Community Hall at 11 am to discuss the letter sent by the Chief Minister inviting them for talks on various issues pertaining to the traditional institutions. The meeting with the Chief Minister is scheduled at 3 pm on the same day at Main Secretariat.
The SNSBH has urged the headmen and the EC members of all Dorbar Shnong to attend the meeting.
