By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 23: UDP MDC from Nongpoh, Balajied Ranee has asked the NPP-led EC in the KHADC to push for the Governor’s assent to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
Speaking to a section of reporters, Ranee said that he is happy that the Council has finally incorporated the customary practice prevailing among some of the natives in Ri-Bhoi known as “Ring Bia” or “Shaw Bhoi” in the amendment Bill which was long overdue.
“Now the people of Ri-Bhoi who follow this customary practice will be eligible to get the Khasi tribe certificate which they were deprived for so many years,” the UDP MDC from Nongpoh said.
According to the amendment Bill passed by the Council on the final day of Winter Session on Friday, “Ring Bia or Shaw Bhoi” means customary practices prevailing among certain indigenous Khasi clans in Ri-Bhoi, where in the case of ‘Duh Iing’, the Khasi male member of such a family, may marry a non-Khasi and his offspring may adopt his clan or title with the consent of the ‘kpoh’ concerned, duly recommended by the Kur to be deemed Khasis if they fulfill the conditions of the community.
Meanwhile, Ranee said that since day one, he has been raising this issue to prompt the Council to recognize “Ring Bia or Shaw Bhoi”.
He further mentioned that they have jointly been raising this issue with Congress MDC from Mawhati Charles Marngar, who is currently the Deputy Chairman of the Council.
“We have debated on this issue in the floor of the house on numerous occasions. But every time I feel dejected it always ended in a debate since no concrete steps to see that this customary practice is recognized by the council,” the UDP MDC said.
