Protesters storm district council; Hima, dissatisfied, to convene public gathering in Mawkdok
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 7: Hundreds from Hima Sohra besieged the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Thursday, accusing the VPP-led Executive Committee of strangling traditional democracy after the Council refused to formalise the appointment of Maremdor Syiem as the full-fledged Syiem of the historic Hima.
Tension escalated as protesters demanded the immediate issuance of the Sanad (appointment letter) for Maremdor Syiem. The demonstration led to a marathon meeting between a delegation of the Khliehnongsynshar and Riewrangbah of Hima Sohra and the Executive Committee (EC), headed by Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh.
The delegation was later informed that the Sanad would not be issued immediately, sparking widespread disappointment among the supporters gathered outside.
Speaking to reporters, Wellborn Bynnud of the Hima delegation revealed that the EC cited a rival claimant, one P Syiem, as the reason for the delay. Bynnud challenged this, asserting that the claimant resides in Mairang and has no connection to the Iing Sad (royal house) in Sohra. He questioned the legitimacy of the claim, noting that the individual lacks the backing of the Syiem Kynthei or the Myntris.
“There is no dispute over the succession,” Bynnud stated. “The Iing Sad unanimously nominated Maremdor Syiem, and the Dorbar Bah of Hima Sohra confirmed him on November 2. He previously served as Deputy Syiem, and no other claimant emerged during the Dorbar.”
Bynnud added that all necessary documentation was submitted to the Council six months ago, but officials failed to act.
Former Syiem of Hima Mylliem, Labourious Syiem, joined the delegation, labeling the Council’s silence a “serious blow to Khasi democracy.” He argued that under the Sixth Schedule, the KHADC is duty-bound to uphold customary processes already completed by the Dorbar Hima.
“The selection of the Syiem is the prerogative of Hima Sohra; the Council’s role is merely to issue the Sanad,” Labourious Syiem said, warning that the continued reliance on an Acting Syiem is creating unnecessary instability.
KHADC defends delay
Defending the decision, the VPP-led EC maintained that legal protocols must be followed. Executive Member in-charge of Elaka, Denzil Raynard Chen, stated that because a second claimant from the same clan had submitted a family tree and supporting documents, the Council is legally bound to intervene.
“If there are two claimants, an election must be held in accordance with the 1959 Appointment and Succession of Chiefs and Headmen Act,” Chen said.
However, Chen highlighted administrative hurdles within the Hima itself.
He noted that of the 41 electors and 12 Myntris required, many are deceased or unwell, leaving only nine Myntris active. Vacancies in the Shrieh, Khongwir, and Mawdkhap clans remain unfilled.
Acting Syiem Mynjurlang Majaw has been directed to verify the list of electors and submit a report. Chen invited the Hima Sohra representatives to submit documentary evidence if they wish to formally object to P Syiem’s claim.
“The matter must be examined fairly and in accordance with the law,” Chen added.
Dissatisfied with the Council’s stance, representatives of Hima Sohra announced they will convene a public gathering at Mawkdok to decide their next course of action.
Tynsong cautions EC
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Thursday cautioned the VPP-led Executive Committee (EC) of the KHADC to respect the customary mandate of Hima Sohra and warned against allowing the succession dispute to become a political platform.
Tynsong, who oversees the District Council Affairs (DCA) department, was reacting to the mass protest at the KHADC where hundreds demanded the immediate issuance of the Sanad to Maremdor Syiem. He noted that the delegation’s primary grievance is the Council’s refusal to respect the Hima’s choice, opting instead to maintain an Acting Syiem.
“Whenever a recommendation is made by the Dorbar Hima, the District Council usually does not go against that decision,” Tynsong said. “This is because the Himas function according to Khasi customary law and established traditional processes of selection.”
The Deputy Chief Minister urged the Executive Committee to evaluate the matter with sensitivity and determine if the delay is justified. He stressed that the authorities must distinguish genuine traditional grievances from political manoeuvres when dealing with indigenous institutions.
Tynsong expressed hope that dialogue between the Hima Sohra representatives and the EC would resolve the impasse, provided the Council carefully examines the choice already made by the Dorbar and the Raid.
