NONGPOH, April 19: The headmen of Ri-Bhoi district, under the banner of the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong (SKRS), has decided the vehemently oppose the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council’s notification that debars them from taking part in politics.
The resolution was taken during a meeting of the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong at Umsning on Wednesday.
The meeting had taken up various issues, out of which the KHADC notification reigned supreme.
The headmen from Ri-Bhoi have unanimously decided to protest against the decision of the KHADC and have informed that they will soon call on the Chief Executive Member in this regard.
SKRS general secretary, PB Sylliang, pointed out that the notification, which was issued by the KHADC on April 4 this year, had led to confusion among the headmen.
The notification had used the term ‘headmen’, which, the SKRS said, was a direct translation of the Khasi term ‘Rangbah Shnong’.
Expressing his desire to know who exactly the notification referred to as ‘headmen’, Sylliang said the headmen would seek clarification from the Executive Member of KHADC in-charge of Elaka.
He also argued that the MDCs, who are tasked with protecting and upholding the cultures and traditions of the people and are drawing salaries from the Council, were also allowed to contest Assembly elections.
He then went on to suggest that the MDCs should resign from their post before contesting Assembly elections.
Citing the recent government ban on teachers from participating in politics, which was later quashed by the High Court of Meghalaya, Sylliang contended that if teachers, who receive salaries from the government, could participate in politics, why not the headmen, who work voluntarily without any remuneration.
“If the KHADC does not take steps to address the issue, the SKRS will approach the High Court to seek justice,” Sylliang warned.
The meeting had also discussed at length the high cost of land registration, and decided to call on the Revenue Minister seeking revision of rates.
Sylliang lamented that despite the lower registration rates at the KHADC, financial institutions and government departments only accept land documents registered with the Revenue department of the state government.
The SKRS also plans to call on the Executive Member-in-charge of Elaka and the Revenue department of KHADC to seek an explanation.
With regard to the border issue, the Synjuk said that it will stand by the headmen of the villages along the interstate border areas.
They also plan to hold a meeting with the residents and the headmen of the 22 villages of Raid Nongtung before the second round of talks begins between Meghalaya and Assam.
The SKRS has made it clear that it will hold a protest lest the government hands over the aforesaid villages to Assam.
Lastly, the meeting also discussed the ongoing load-shedding and its impact on the community, especially students.
The SKRS has demanded of the MeECL to relax the timing of load-shedding in Ri-Bhoi and has informed that it will soon meet the CEO of Umiam Division of the MeECL to discuss the matter.
