SHILLONG, Jan 25: A group of residents of Hima Mylliem on Wednesday submitted an elaborate document to the KHADC on the proposal for amendment to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnong of Mylliem Syiemship) Act, 2007.
After submitting the document to Executive Member in-charge of Elaka Jambor War, a member of the group of residents John Kharshiing told reporters they have suggested that the word “appointment” should be replaced by “confirmation” because the Syiem, Myntri, Lyngdoh, Basan and other functionaries are elected and not appointed by the KHADC.
According to him, the very word appointment has far-reaching consequences. He said there have been many adverse comments even in the judiciary on the status of traditional institutions.
Kharshiing said there is a provision in the Act that the Dorbar Hima should be convened once a year but the Syiem of Hima Mylliem never convenes it. He said there are instances when the Syiem of Mylliem refused to comply with the directive of the KHADC to convene Dorbar Hima.
“There should be a provision where the KHADC can convene the Dorbar Hima suo moto if the Syiem of Mylliem fails to take the initiative,” he said.
According to him, the council can adopt the system in Hima Sohra where a date is pre-determined to convene the Dorbar Hima.
On the participation of women in the affairs of Dorbar Shnong, Kharshiing suggested that the word “male” should be replaced by “Khasi adult citizens” since women take part in the election of Rangbah Shnong in many villages and localities of Shillong.
He further suggested the need to reform and restructure the Executive Dorbar.
“The Executive Dorbar comprises only the 11 Myntris. We are suggesting that 16 Syiem Raid in Ri-Bhoi and the Rangbah Shnongs should be part of the Executive Dorbar. The time has come to have more participation,” Kharshiing said.
Meanwhile, he said questions were raised by a pressure group that the present definition of Nongpyniaid Shnong in the Act has allowed a Garo to function as a Rangbah Shnong in certain areas of Hima Mylliem.
“We will suggest that they replace Nongpyniad Shnong with the word chairman of Sub Committee of any particular locality,” he added.
