SHILLONG, April 9: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has reminded the various traditional heads through a notification issued on April 4 that they cannot be a member or be associated with any political party or organisation that takes part in politics.
At a meeting held on March 15, the Executive Committee (EC) of the council decided to issue the notification for general information and compliance by all concerned.
Executive Member (EM) in-charge of Elaka, Jambor War told The Shillong Times on Sunday that the EC felt it is necessary to remind the traditional heads – Rangbah Shnong, Myntri Shnong, Sordar Shnong, Headman and Matabor – that they should not be involved in politics or assist in any manner any political movement or activity as provided under the relevant Acts and Rules of the Hima/Elaka concerned.
“We have not received any official complaints questioning the participation of any particular traditional heads in politics but there is a general discussion how the traditional heads are allowed to take part in politics,” War said.
According to him, it is important the traditional heads strictly abide by the various provisions as laid down. He said the council has taken a serious note of the attempt to dilute the Khasi matrilineal system of society.
“The traditional heads must issue residential certificates to Khasi indigenous tribe strictly as provided under the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Lineage) Act, 1997, and Rules made thereunder. Moreover, no certificate shall be granted to any resident for change of Khasi Kur/Jait/Clan or assume any Khasi Kur/Jait/Clan without following the provisions of Section 3 & Section 12 of the said Act,” War said quoting from the notification.
He said anyone, who takes the surname of his father, cannot be considered a Khasi since it is not as per the matrilineal system.
“We are aware that a Schedule Tribe certificate cannot be issued against a person who takes the surname of the father,” the EM said.
As per the notification, all duly-elected traditional heads must obtain a proper Sanad (appointment order) from the traditional chief concerned. Anything contrary to it shall be deemed illegal and null and void.
“A Rangbah Shnong, Myntri Shnong, Sordar Shnong, Headman, Matabor, may on behalf of a Dorbar Shnong concerned grant or issue a residential certificate to local residents after proper verification of the antecedents and genuineness of such residents under the relevant Acts, Rules of the Hima/Elaka concerned,” the notification added.
The copy of the notification has been sent to Syiem/Acting Syiem, Lyngdoh, Sirdar, Acting Sirdar and Wahadadar for information and necessary action and to notify in the entire Hima/Elaka.
