By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 25: The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) on Monday submitted a petition to Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh, seeking the constitution of a committee to probe alleged financial irregularities and governance lapses in Hima Mylliem.
After submitting the petition, HITO president Donbok Dkhar told reporters that the organisation was compelled to approach the KHADC in the wake of the recent suspension of acting Syiem Ainam Manik Syiem over allegations of financial mismanagement.
Dkhar said HITO was deeply concerned over reports that Hima Mylliem had generated revenue of only around Rs 3 crore during the 2025-26 financial year, despite administering more than 600 villages and several key markets. “We are not satisfied with the claim that Hima Mylliem generated only Rs 3 crore. Given the size and economic importance of the Hima, the revenue should reasonably be between Rs 10 crore and Rs 20 crore, if not more,” he said.
The organisation alleged that no public tendering process was carried out for market operations and that no such information was circulated to the Dorbar Raid or Dorbar Shnong. “If a proper investigation is conducted, we are confident that the actual revenue generated will be found to be much higher, possibly between Rs 20 crore and Rs 30 crore,” Dkhar said.
HITO also criticised previous Executive Committees of the KHADC for allegedly failing to take corrective action despite concerns over financial accountability and the non-submission of accounts before the annual Dorbar Hima.
The organisation said despite being a major traditional institution with crores of rupees in annual revenue, Hima Mylliem lacks even a basic official website to provide citizens access to accounts, public notices, tenders and updates on governance matters.
In its petition, HITO called for the constitution of a high-level inquiry committee comprising persons of integrity to investigate the financial obligations of Hima Mylliem, particularly in relation to market regulation laws and dues owed to the District Council.
The organisation urged the KHADC to implement the recommendations of the District Council Commission of 1957 relating to Hima Mylliem, which advocated for broader representation and democratic participation in its governance structure.
Among other key demands, HITO proposed translating the Mylliem Act 2007/2008 and Rules 2015 into Khasi to make them accessible to local citizens, instituting an annual budget session for Hima Mylliem, and creating a more structured legislative assembly with regular meetings involving village authorities, Raid representatives and elders.
Dkhar said such reforms were essential to restore public confidence and ensure transparency, accountability and wider participation in the governance of Hima Mylliem.
“It is crucial to ensure accountability and transparency in this matter so that the community can regain trust in its leadership and governance structures,” he said.
The HITO president expressed hope that the KHADC would act promptly on its demands to usher in meaningful reforms in the functioning of Hima Mylliem.
