By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 8: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has not set a fixed timeline for the Acting Chief of Hima Sohra, Mynjurlang Majaw, to appoint a full-fledged Syiem, Executive Member (EM) in-charge of Elaka, Denzil R Chen, said on Sunday.
Chen stated that while no deadline has been issued, the council has requested the process be completed as soon as possible. He noted that the appointment is an exhaustive exercise that must strictly comply with traditional procedural and customary requirements. The KHADC has pledged necessary assistance to help expedite the matter.
The appointment of a permanent Syiem has faced delays after the KHADC withheld official recognition (sanad) for Marremdor Syiem, citing procedural irregularities in his earlier selection. Majaw was subsequently appointed Acting Chief to manage the Hima’s affairs.
During a recent Dorbar Hima, Majaw formally recorded his appointment and announced the formation of an administrative body consisting of eight Executive Members and 12 Myntris to handle day-to-day governance. He noted that the absence of a permanent traditional head continues to hamper administration and reiterated that, by tradition, a Syiem must be of royal lineage and a follower of the Khasi faith.
Regarding reports of another potential claimant, P Syiem of Mairang, Majaw said the Hima has limited information on his candidature as the individual has not been active in Dorbar Hima proceedings.
