Iewduh’s welfare, misuse of Khasi surnames, enrichment of Khasi language among other issues raised on Day 2 of autumn session
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The KHADC will amend the existing district council rules to prevent non-tribals from taking part in the district council elections.
Though in Khasi and Jaintia Hills, the non-tribals do not participate in the elections, there is no rule which restricts the non indigenous persons from casting votes and contesting polls.
In reply to a resolution moved by KHNAM’s Adelbert Nongrum, who called for a joint effort on the part of the KHADC, JHADC and GHADC, to ensure that non-tribals do not participate in the District Council elections, KHADC CEM P N Syiem assured that the amendments can be brought during the next session.
According to Syiem, there is also a need on the part of KHADC, JHADC and GHADC to collectively address the issue.
Earlier, Nongrum said that in this regard, the amendment to Rule 128 of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils), Rules, 1951, was important for the preservation and protection of the indigenous tribes.
In the last elections to GHADC, there were protests from the pressure groups in Garo Hills against non-tribals taking part in the polls.
Meanwhile, recalling the incident that took place at Iewduh on July 27, 2014, in which five Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) enforcement staff and two journalists were injured after they were attacked by an unruly mob consisting of illegal hawkers, HSPDP member P.S. Syiem moved a resolution urging the state government to take immediate action against the culprits.
During the Council’s autumn session on Wednesday, Syiem said the Executive Committee should pursue the matter. In reply, KHADC CEM P.N. Syiem said that there have been arrests but the accused were released on bail. He assured the House that it will be examined as to how the accused secured bail.
Another resolution moved by P.S. Syiem was on the sanitation and welfare of Iewduh. “Iewduh has become dirty and poses a threat to the health of the people. Moreover, illegal sale of liquor has led to security problem in the market,” he said.
Taking part in the debate, Nongrum said the traditional market has become an eyesore.
In reply, EM in charge market, Hadrian Lyngdoh said that on inspection, it was found that there was no proper drainage system and waste trap and that the Hima Mylliem has been directed to look into the welfare of Iewduh.
Syiem also moved a motion to discuss the use of Khasi title by non-Khasis stating that it is an urgent issue as it will affect the future generations.
To this, the CEM said he will write to all the Khasi clans seeking information about those misusing Khasi surnames.
HSPDP’s Teilinia Thangkhiew moved a motion to expand and enrich the Khasi language by coining new words by any recognized authority.
She said, “A lot of people use Kha-lish (Khasi mixed with English) and we don’t even know the proper usage of some English words in Khasi. Recently, new Khasi words have been incorporated with ‘Sawangka’ or drama in English, ‘wadbniah’ which is research in English and others. We need experts in the field of linguistics to help in the venture.”
Replying to the motion, P.N. Syiem said, “We will bring about a new system as we can understand that the Khasi language needs to be enriched.”