SHILLONG: The district administration’s restriction on discussing the issue of Them Metor at the Dorbar Hima, held after 18 years, on Friday infuriated the members of the traditional body as well as KHADC chief HS Shylla.
“There is no freedom of speech. Next time it will no longer be held in Shillong,” said Shylla.
Later, speaking to reporters, he said, “They don’t know that our Dorbar will not lead to violence. Such Dorbar gives understanding to people leading to peace in the state.”
“The restriction is made on the issue of Them Metor. This has disheartened the Myntri from speaking about the matter and other important issues,” Shylla added. “Our people will not endorse violence; the Dorbar Hima binds people together. They (district administration) don’t understand the mentality of the Khasi and they will lead nowhere if they try to suppress it,” he said and announced that the Dorbar will be held in other Hima as well.
KHADC said the aim of the Dorbar Hima is to revive the customary tradition of the Khasis as the last Dorbar was held in 2000.
Taking exception to the low turnout at the Dorbar on Friday, Shylla pointed at the several empty seats and said the Khasi community “is getting cold when it comes to following traditions”. He mentioned Article 29 of the Constitution relating to protection of interests of minorities.
According to Shylla, to remove the sense of insecurity, the Dorbar Hima and the Dorbar Kur which is deep rooted should be held.
Resolutions
The resolution of the Dorbar Hima, which was read out by Acting Syiem Pa’iem Ainam Manik Syiem, said the Dorbar Hima will be held once a year. He added that the Hima Mylliem will work together with the KHADC, the district administration and the state government.
On Iewduh, he asked the Hima Mylliem to restore the old glory of the traditional market as the “rice plate of the poor” even as he rued that non-tribals are thriving on it.
Pointing to the gambling and criminal activities taking place there, he said, “Nobody should reside at Iewduh.”
Referring to the lineage bill, the KHADC chief said the two CEMs of Garo Hills Autonomous District Council and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council are preparing a bill similar to the KHADC.
