By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 18: Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Deputy Chief Executive Member PN Syiem on Friday said the council is yet to examine the complaint lodged by the five Myntris and Basan of Nongkseh against the Syiem of Hima Mylliem, Ainam Manik Syiem for allegedly leasing out a plot of land at Khlaw Mawroh without the approval of the Dorbar Hima.
Syiem told reporters what he understands is that the land was leased out to help generate revenue for the Hima. “I don’t think there is anything wrong if the move is for generating revenue. I believe that a due process was followed before the land was leased out,” he said.
According to him, the council would have taken a strong note if the land in question had been sold out.
Asked about the complaint lodged on October 26, 2023 against the Syiem of Mylliem for allegedly misutilising funds amounting to Rs 5.58 crore by issuing document of the Hima’s land located at Iew Mylliem Rim, the KHADC Deputy CEM said the council has already conducted two hearings on the case.
“We asked both parties to submit their written documents. We will soon come up with a report on our findings in connection with this case,” he said, adding that if there was any misappropriation of funds, it will reflect in the report.
The complaint was lodged by Myntri Nongkhlaw, Myntri Rumnong Sohsla, Myntri Kharbteng, Myntri Nongneng Shanpru and Myntri Syndor.
They alleged that the Syiem of Hima Mylliem had leased out a portion of land at Khlaw Mawroh without the approval of the Dorbar Pyllun of the Myntris of Hima Mylliem which is against the practice and convention of the Hima.
However, the Syiem of Hima Mylliem threatened to move court if the five Myntris and Basan of Nongkseh fail to prove he leased out the plot illegally.
“I will file a defamation suit in the court if they fail to provide evidence within 10 days on the allegation levelled against me. I have to take this drastic step since this allegation was made to tarnish my image,” Syiem said.
He further said there was a media report on September 28 that he had sold out this land as his personal property.
“It is only a false allegation made by people with vested interests. This kind of politics is nothing new in the Hima due to greed for power,” Syiem said.
According to him, the land in question measuring around 5,000 sq ft was leased out to Naphisabet Wahlang, a resident of Mawlai Mawkynroh, Umshing. He said the person had approached him to seek the land for a furniture workshop and a welding unit.