KONGTHONG: As many as 36 families of Kongthong village, better known as the ‘whistling village’ refused to take rice from the dealer arguing that the dealer did not sell rice as per the government rate and that the dealer is not selected by the Dorbar or what they call sur u paidbah.
These residents in Kongthong claimed they have been neglected by the government and demanded their rights as they have not received their share of rationed rice from January to July. The residents said that they were surprised to know when suddenly the Sordar, Sylloklang Majaw announced there will be distribution of rice in the village.
“We were surprised as no meeting was held to select a dealer”, the residents said while narrating how things shaped.
The residents also refused to recognise Majaw as the Sordar as he was not approved by the dorbar though the Sordar has received the seal of approval from the Syiem of Hima Sohra.
The dealer was Strojen Lynrah. The residents maintained that they do not want to do anything with Majaw and Lynrah as they were not selected by the people. Besides, the two sold rice for Rs 5 although the government rate is Rs 3.
It is learnt that the members of the Vigilance Committee of the village hold office for one year and the people were baffled when Majaw and Lynrah came to power.
As per the village’s convention, it is the dorbar that selects the dealer whether the dealer will be the same or a new one. The people refused to take food from Majaw and Lynrah as they did not recognise them as the traditional heads.
They asserted that though he is appointed by the Syiem, the dorbar does not recognise him. Secondly, the people do not approve the malpractice in rice distribution.
Based on a complaint, a magisterial inquiry was conducted wherein Majaw and Lynrah admitted to selling rice at Rs 5.
Asked how they are managing, the women smiled and said that they asked others for help.
