By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 22: Titosstarwell Chyne, the Leader of Opposition (LoP), expressed his disappointment on Friday that the KHAD (Khasi Social Custom of Clan Administration) Bill, 2022, has been placed in coal storage following extensive fine-tuning.
Speaking to reporters, Chyne stated that the special committee led by seasoned MDC member Bindo Mathew Lanong had taken three years to address the issues raised by the governor regarding the clan bill that had been approved under the administration of the late HS Shylla, the former CEM.
He said that in the process of drafting the bills, the special committee conferred with Seng Khasi Kmie and the other Seng Kur.
“It is truly unfortunate that the entire exercise has been squandered,” he stated.
Chyne, however, stated that because the special committee is still in place, he is unable to conclude that the clan bill has been completely abandoned.
“Yet, the amendment bill now includes the main thrust of the clan bill. We can say that the lineage amendment bill contains a copy of the clause found in the clan bill,” he stated.
Chyne, meanwhile, stated that because the bill contains more teeth than the Seng Kur, he is unsure if the other stakeholders are satisfied with the amendment.
He claimed that the primary focus of the amendment bill was the registration and acknowledgment of the Dorbar Kur, also known as the Seng Kur. “There isn’t much to empower the Seng Kur or Dorbar Kur,” he added.