Hima Langrin Syiem accuses predecessor of graft

SHILLONG: The acting Syiem of Hima Langrin Baldwistar Syiemiong alleged that the suspended Syiem, Nongtei Sing Syiemiong, did not maintain any financial report of the Hima since 2011.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Baldwistar said the Hima Langrin earns “handsome revenue” from coal-laden trucks at toll gates.
An RTI was also sought on the finances of the Hima Langrin but there was no reply. The district council recently suspended Nongtei. He said as per the DMR report, there are 12 million metric tonnes of coal deposit in the areas under the jurisdiction of Hima Langrin.
Further, secretary AS Lyngdoh said the suspended Syiem also went ahead to call the “Law u Syiem” area as a joint property of his family and the Elaka, which violated the traditional practices and custom for which he is liable to be removed with immediate effect.
“The Syiem by framing the management board, joint property, self-interest and benefit for his family etc has violated the prevailing customs and traditional practices of the Hima,” Lyngdoh said.
The traditional heads have also approached the KHADC to cancel the Management Board Committee set up by the suspended Syiem.
Lyngdoh said Nongtei Sing has allowed the creation of the Lumkohkriah Community Reserve by illegally handing over the private lands of the Khun ki hajar of Hima Langrin.
“This has created severe problem for the people. All acts to establish the so-called ‘community’ have been done illegally and without the knowledge and consent of the land owners,” he said.
Acting on the complaint filed by the current members of the Executive Dorbar, the executive committee of the KHADC has appointed Baldwistar as the acting Syiem.