From Our Correspondent
MAWKYRWAT, Jan 6: The Acting Syiem of Hima Nobosohphoh Syiemship, Ferdinance Syiemiong, along with Sordars from various villages and members of the public, forcefully reopened the office of the Syiem of Hima Nobosohphoh at Rangblang village, located 20 km from Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi Hills. The incident took place in the presence of the Block Development Officer of Mawkyrwat Block, I Lawriniang.
Speaking to the media, Ferdinance Syiemiong stated that the decision to forcibly reopen the office was made after the suspended Syiem, Kawangbor Syiemiong, failed to hand over the office keys as part of the transition of power.
Syiemiong explained that he, along with the Executive Dorbar of Hima Nobosohphoh, had no choice but to act decisively to ensure the continuity of administrative functions.
On December 20, 2024, Syiemiong was appointed as the Acting Syiem of Hima Nobosohphoh Syiemship by the Executive Committee of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), as per Section 11 of the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Chiefs and Headmen) Act, 1959. This appointment followed the suspension of Kawangbor Syiemiong as Syiem, and the former Syiem was instructed to hand over all keys, documents, and funds to the newly appointed Acting Syiem.
“I immediately delivered a formal letter instructing him to hand over everything by December 26, 2024, to ensure a smooth transition of power. However, he failed to comply.
This led me to seek assistance from the District Administration, and the Deputy Commissioner sent a magistrate to facilitate the reopening of the office,” Ferdinance Syiemiong said.
While Ferdinance declined to disclose the reasons behind the suspension of Kawangbor Syiemiong, he expressed gratitude to the former Syiem for his years of service to the Hima.
The Acting Syiem also thanked the district administration for its prompt response and for deputing a magistrate to witness the reopening of the office. Additionally, he urged the Sordars and residents of the Hima to work collectively for the welfare and progress of the community.
