By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 4: KHADC Deputy Chief Executive Member (CEM), PN Syiem, on Friday alleged that there are political leaders who are allegedly pushing to dissolve Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and traditional institutions such as Hima and Raid.
Though Syiem did not name the political leaders, he maintained that such moves threaten grassroots democracy in the region.
Speaking at an event aimed at strengthening the Himas under the Federation of Khasi States (FKS) at the Khasi National Dorbar Hall, Syiem criticised the belief of some political figures that governance could be adequately handled by the state government, district administration, block development officers, and Dorbar Shnong alone, without the involvement of traditional institutions.
“We will not accept such kind of propaganda. The coordination between the state government, district councils, and various traditional institutions must continue,” Syiem asserted.
He further highlighted the importance of reinforcing the Federation of Khasi States (FKS), which was instrumental in signing the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement (IOA&AA) with the Dominion of India in 1947-48.
“We need to strengthen the FKS so that the Government of India would respect the provision of the IOA&AA to recognise in empowering of the Khasi States,” he said.