SHILLONG: The UDP has clarified that the statements of party leader Bindo Lanong on Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement of August 17, 1948 are entirely of an individual and do not reflect the stand of the party to which he belongs.”
The spokesperson of Federation of Khasi States, John Kharshiing received a reply in this regard from Paul Lyngdoh, UDP MDC and working president of the party.
In a statement on Thursday, Kharshiing said the pending issues can be resolved collectively together with all stakeholders.
A state constituted committee comprising all stakeholders (all party) would help in the finalisation of the governance structure from Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid upto Dorbar Hima which is all informal till date due to the non-fulfillment of the terms of the IOA & AA.
It fact, the subsequent clarification by Lanong has stated that the Syiem, Sirdar, Lyngdoh, Wahadar, have executive, legislative and judicial authority but these functions till date have not been completely codified as only a few Himas/Elakas have the acts and rules while some Hima/Elaka such as Hima Nongstoin and Hima Maharam have ILP provisions however these provisions need more clarity, the spokesperson of the federation said.
Further, the Federation of Khasi States as per the IOA & AA had constituted a legislative Assembly (Khasi States Constitution Making Dorbar) comprising over 85 members from elected representatives according to their respective Hima/Elaka which includes the 25 traditional heads and four nominated (two women). This is yet to be fulfilled as per the IOA & AA.
The KHADC in the past had proposed three bills during 2006, 2016 and 2018 for constitution of a Council for the traditional heads. However, the bills were rejected by the District Council Affairs department stating that the district council does not have the “legislative competence” to pass such bills, he said.
Kharshiing said the ADCs, state government along with the Federation of Khasi States and Council of Nokmas can come up with a Constitutional Framework for providing space for the traditional Institutions in a separate schedule or an Article under the Constitution of India.
