Few politicians meddling in affairs of Hima Sohiong: JAC

SHILLONG, Jan 10: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) has alleged that there are few politicians who interfere in the affairs and functions of the Hima Sohiong.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, JAC chairman Purningstar Shabong said “dirty politics” of the politicians with vested interests have resulted in denial of sanad (appointment letters) to the Rangbah Shnongs of the villages under the Hima.
Shabong also alleged that the former Lyngdoh of Hima Sohiong Shemphang Thabah would give the sanad to only those Rangbah Shnongs who have affiliation to a particular political party.
The JAC chairman said he was even informed about the allegations against the suspended Lyngdoh of charging Rs 5,000 each for issuing sanad to the Rangbah Shnongs.
Shabong also lauded the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) for suspending Thabah in December last year on the charges of misusing his position as the Lyngdoh of Hima Sohiong.
It may be mentioned that the JAC had time and again demanded the ouster of Thabah over the latter’s abuse of authority.
It is pertinent to note that Thabah has not only been accused of functioning dishonestly but also of selling off Nongwah-Mawtapur village, which falls under Hima Sohiong, to Assam.
“The administrator C Pohlong, appointed by the KHADC, has already issued sanad to the three Rangbah Shnongs, which is a welcoming step,” the JAC chairman said.
Accentuating the need to have a legislation in place for the Hima Sohiong to streamline the functioning of the Hima, Shabong said, “We are ready to work with the Hima and the KHADC to formulate a legislation of the Hima since this is the need of the hour.”
He also informed that the Hima Sohiong currently follows the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Chiefs and Headmen) (Sixth Schedule) Act, 1959.