SHILLONG: Alleging that non-Khasis claim Khasi titles, the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) state youth wing petitioned the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) and Deputy CEM.
According to KHNAM, the non-Khasis are using Khasi surnames to enjoy benefits entitled to the Scheduled Tribes as well as not to come under the purview of the Trading License Regulation, 1954.
The youth wing of the political party said that the non-Khasis could claim the Khasi title only through an affidavit even though they did not understand Khasi language and were unaware of traditional customs of the Khasis and did not even follow the Khasi customs.
The KHNAM referred to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Act, 1997, definition of a “Khasi” that has been defined as a person belonging to Khasi tribe who may be a Khasi, Jaintia, Pnar, Synteng, War, Bhoi or Lyngngam or who is recognised or deemed as such under prevailing Khasi Custom or this Act.
The party has demanded from the KHADC to look into the Clan Bill to empower the different clans and unite them to ensure that stringent action be taken against the people indulged in cheating.
According to the KHNAM, KHADC should revoke the Lineage Act if the misuse of Khasi clan names by non-Khasis continues.