NGO against traditional heads ostracizing people
SHILLONG: The Hynniewtrep National People’s Movement (HNPM) has alleged that the KHADC chief executive member, PN Syiem misled the people on the recent Supreme Court’s interim order with regards to the traditional headmen.
Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, Hynniewtrep National People’s Movement president Tony Marbaniang has urged Syiem to come clear whether the district council or the Sixth Schedule have empowered or teach the headmen to ostracize and allow people to be beaten to death just because of the allegations of witchcraft practicing.
“The KHADC CEM had never clarified whether the headmen are empowered to continue to ostracize people or to ensure the wellbeing of the village administration,” Marbaniang said.
The Hynniewtrep National People’s Movement leader also referred to December 10, 2014 ruling of the Meghalaya High Court, which stripped the powers of the headmen following the petition filed by the victims of ostracization.
“We feel that the high court has done the right thing although we also understand the fact that not all headmen are bad,” HNMP president Marbaniang stated.