By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 28: The fourth Dorbar Bah of the Mylliemngap clan held at Lum Pomblang, Smit, on Saturday stirred controversy after several members from different villages were allegedly denied entry despite an open invitation to the general meeting.
Members hailing from Laitlyngkot, Umthli, Puriang, Nongkynrih, Laitkyrhong, Rymphlang, and Rasong claimed they were barred from attending the Dorbar Bah by elders from Smit, Nongkrem, and Iewpomtiah, who allegedly refused to recognise them as part of the clan.
The aggrieved members expressed shock and disappointment, stating that they had come to participate in what was a general meeting of the Mylliemngap clan, only to be turned away at the gate. They questioned the authority of those who denied them entry, asserting that no individual or group has the mandate to decide clan membership.
“We know our roots and our lineage. We can trace our ancestry through our great-grandmothers, grandmothers, and mothers who carried the Mylliemngap surname. They cannot decide who we are or where we come from,” a member said, adding that they had come solely to seek clarity on the matter.
According to the members, upon questioning, they were informed that individuals from Nongkynrih, Umthli, Puriang, Rasong, Iew Shyllong, and a few other villages would not be allowed to attend the Dorbar Kur. However, no clear explanation was provided despite repeated requests.
One of the affected members, Mebansara Mylliemngap, said the situation took a “depressing turn” when they were denied entry. “We came with an open mind to attend the meeting, but the gates were shut on us. When we asked for reasons, there was no response,” she said.
She further alleged that the participation appeared to be restricted to members from only three localities—Smit, Nongkrem, and Iewpomtiah—contradicting the claim that it was a general meeting of the clan.
Another member, Wandahun Mylliemngap, described the incident as deeply painful, especially for future generations. “It is hurtful to think that our children may grow up being told they do not belong to the clan. We requested to present proof of our lineage. If we are not Mylliemngap, we are ready to accept it. But we were not even allowed to clarify,” she said.
She also alleged that earlier interactions with clan elders had acknowledged their lineage, making the denial at the Dorbar Bah more distressing. “This is a general meeting meant for discussion and clarification. If we are not allowed to speak, it raises questions about what is being hidden,” she added.
A male member from Puriang echoed similar sentiments, calling the rejection unjust. “We came to stand for our rights. If they claim we are not Mylliemngap, they should provide proof. Our family has long identified with the clan, and we would not make such claims without basis,” he said.
The affected members alleged that a few individuals are attempting to assert authority over clan identity without a broader consensus, which is dividing the community. They also criticised the absence of senior elders to address the issue, stating that such matters should be handled with transparency and inclusivity.
Demanding justice and clarity, the members have called for a fair and open process to resolve the dispute, warning that failure to address the issue could have long-term implications for the unity and identity of the Mylliemngap clan.
