Newly appointed MCS officer’s claim of clan membership draws flak

Tura, April 20: The Maji mahari (clan members) have come down in condemnation over the claims of a recently appointed MCS officer, Esther Ngurlienmoi Marak of being a part of the clan after objections were raised upon her claims of being a member of the Garo tribe under the Maji clan.
The clan members, who met after Marak claimed membership of the Maji clan to prove her right to apply and hold the post due to her being part of the tribe, called the claim factually incorrect, misleading and a clear misrepresentation of genealogical identity.
“The Maji Mahari follows a strict matrilineal system, where lineage is traced exclusively through the mother’s bloodline and any claim to the heritage must be backed by legitimate ancestral ties. Upon thorough verification of genealogical records and oral traditions upheld by the elders it has been conclusively established that she does not belong to this Mahari,” said a release by the clan members.
The clan members through the release further claimed that the deliberate misrepresentation of one’s identity to gain benefits under MCS quota reservation constituted an act of deception that must not be condoned.
“The process of identifying is not on self declaration but must be verified by recognised members and elders of the Mahari. As she does not belong to the clan by birth, her claims stand in direct violation of the customs that define eligibility within the Mahari system. Her attempt to claim privileges under this identity is therefore encroachment upon the rightful entitlements of genuine members of the Maji Mahari,” claimed the members.