Elaka Dorbar writes to JHADC on Dolloi suspension

JOWAI: The Dorbar of the Elaka Raliang has come down heavily on the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council for suspension of Dolloi Chawas Lyngdoh. The Dorbar Elaka and the Dorbar Raij in Raliang have written to the JHADC chief executive member and the secretary of the executive committee demanding revocation of the suspension order. “The Elaka Dorbar held on Monday has strongly condemned the JHADC for suspension of the Dolloi of the Elaka. The JHADC has violated our traditional practices,” stated the letter signed by Elaka Dorbar Secretary Pyrshang Biam and Chairman Binroi Dkhar. Both the Dorbar Elaka and the Dorbar Raij in their separate letters to the JHADC has stated the acting Dolloi appointed by the JHADC will never be accepted by the Elaka. “It is a practice within the Elaka that any acting Dolloi will be appointed by the ‘Ynniaw Waheh’, or the seven elders of the Elaka, and not by the JHADC,” the statement said. According to both the Dorbars, the suspension of the Dolloi Elaka, Raliang, will not only affect the administration within the Elaka, but also the traditional religion. “The Dolloi is the head of the religion and without him, no rituals or religious activities can be performed,” the letter stated. The statement further said the suspension order came without the consent of the Elaka Dorbar and that the Dorbar is surprised to see that the JHADC has taken such an action against the Dolloi who has done nothing wrong to the people of his Elaka. “The Dolloi in Raliang is elected for life and if the JHADC suspended him, it is nothing but only depriving us of our customary rights and practices and also the entire culture,” the letter added. Meanwhile, the Dorbar of the Elaka Shangpung and the Dorbar of the Elaka Narpuh have also written to the JHADC demanding withdrawal of the suspension order.