SHILLONG: Irked at the presence of self-styled non-tribal headmen in areas under Sohra Syiemship, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has demanded penal action against them from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
The union apprised the KHADC Executive Member in-charge of Elaka, Jambor War, of the matter on Wednesday and the latter asserted that the self-styled non-tribal headmen were encroaching on the authority reserved for the tribals as enshrined in the 6th Schedule.
He accused that the KHADC of having failed to protect the interest of the Hynniewtrep people as it remained unaware of these developments.
In a letter to War, the union stated that the non-tribal communities had unilaterally set up their own village headmen without intimating the Khasi headman, Myntri,the Syiem of Hima Sohra, or the KHADC.
The union said that the self-styled headmen were the Mulor (village head) of Proper Majai, Nayabasti, Chaklabasti, Dhorombasti, Alubari villages which were located on the fringes of international border with Bangladesh.
According to assistant general secretary of the union, Readyon Nongrum, the EM is going to summon the Syiem of Hima Sohra, Freeman Syiem, to seek clarification on the matter.
He said that the union will also meet Freeman Syiem and seek his explanation
Nongrum also said that the self-styled headmen, in a letter to the union, had washed their hands off the recent violent incident at Ichamati. The union is contemplating to file an FIR in this regard.
Meanwhile, EM in-charge of Elaka, Jambor War, said the Council will immediately call Syiem of Hima Sohra, Freeman Syiem to seek clarification on the self-styled headmen imbroglio.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he claimed that the villages were formed by non-tribals, adding that the KSU has asked the KHADC to remove the names of the villages.
Stating that he had assured the KSU to examine the matter, he said that the Council should give approval to the Syiem for creation of new villages.