Clan leaders ask Guv to pass social custom bill

SHILLONG: Members of the Synjuk ki Rangbah Kur ka Bri U Hynniewtrep, a conglomeration of clan elders, led by its president HS Shylla met Governor Tathagata Roy on Monday and urged him to approve the KHAD (Khasi Social Custom of Clan Administration) Bill, 2018.
Speaking to reporters, Shylla said the association wants the governor to take special interest in the bill as currently the clans are disorganized and “the bill will ensure that they organise themselves”.
He said the governor has assured to look into the matter.
Shylla argued that the organisation of clans or Seng Kur is for the protection of indigenous people because non-tribals often take advantage of Khasi clan surnames.
“Clan bill is simple, clans should be organised. A ‘Thapa’ who is a Nepali can easily be ‘Thabah’ only through affidavit in the court,” he said, adding that the court cannot certify the identity of clans (jingling kur) except the clan.
With an aim to keep hawk eyes on the misuse of clan titles, Shylla said people can get Khasi tribe certificate from the district council after getting clan certificate from the Seng Kur, which is duly recognised by the council.
Shylla expressed concern over online application for Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate which, he said, would open doors for non-tribals to secure the document.
In a memorandum to the governor, the Synjuk stated that out of more than 5,204 clans, only a few have organised themselves for the purpose of their own clan members.
Pending bills
Shylla, who is also the chief executive member of KHADC, was asked to meet the governor on March 1 to discuss about the pending bills of the council in the District Council Affairs (DCA) Department.
Shylla contended that the bills passed by the KHADC should be submitted forthwith to the governor and it should not go through the department.
He claimed that there are bills pending for years with the DCA Department and he does not want the same to be repeated.