Demand for recognition as Rangbah Shnong can’t be entertained: UDP
SHILLONG, March 12: The bone of contention precipitated by the alleged de-recognition of Garo headmen in Raid Marwet of Ri-Bhoi has further exacerbated with the All Ri-Bhoi Garo Headmen Association expressing its willingness to merge with Assam once Hima Mylliem and Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) give in written that Garos have no right to be the headmen of Garo villages.
The Association has also threatened to boycott all forms of elections if the demands are unheeded.
Reacting to a statement of select parties that only people from Khasi community can be a headman, the Association contended that it is applicable only in Khasi villages and not in those villages inhabited by other tribes.
It may be mentioned that 54 Garo Headmen from Raid Marwet in Ri-Bhoi, under the banner of All Ri-Bhoi Garo Headmen Association, had recently met Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma following the alleged derecognition of Garo headmen.
“We are here to press our demand that we, the Garo people living in Raid Marweit, should be given the headmen’s post as we have been staying in the area since the British era. Since the last two years, they have derecognised our headmen saying they are the right owner. Since this is in India, and we have been living here since 1905, we should be allowed to have the headmen,” ARGHA president Nickel R Marak had said.
UDP objects recognition to non-Khasis as Rangbah Shnong
Meanwhile, the Opposition UDP has taken a strong exception to the demand made by the Garo headmen seeking recognition as Rangbah Shnong.
The issue was raised by Leader of Opposition Titostarwell Chyne during the ongoing Budget session of the KHADC on Tuesday in the wake of 54 Garo headmen from Raid Marwet in Ri-Bhoi, under the banner of All Ri-Bhoi Garo Headmen Association, calling on Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma following the alleged de-recognition of Garo headmen.
Chyne argued that such demand cannot be entertained as it will affect the traditional practices of the Khasi community.
According to him, such a demand poses a huge threat and will eventually dilute the powers of the traditional heads and Himas if people from other communities are recognised as the Rangbah Shnong of areas falling under jurisdiction of the KHADC.
“We should be firm on our stand if there is interference from any angle. We cannot compromise on this issue at any cost,” the Leader of Opposition said.
In his reply, KHADC Deputy CEM, Pynshngain N. Syiem said that the Hima Mylliem has appointed Circle Rangbah Shnongs to look after the affairs of the villages under Raid Marwet where there are no Khasi residents.
Syiem said that the Executive Committee is also trying to find out a solution to address the issue with the Hima Mylliem.
“We will have to protect the power and functions of the Himas. So far we have not yet issued any Sanad (appointment letter) to anyone from the villages where there are no Khasi residents,” the KHADC Deputy CEM added.
