By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 2: The leaders of Seng Khasi Kmie, Sein Raij, Seng Khihlang, and Sengbah Ki Nongshat Nongkhein U Hynniewskum Hynniewtrep have appealed to followers of the traditional Khasi faith to identify themselves as followers of ‘Niam Khasi Niam Tre’ during the Census 2027 and in all official documents requiring disclosure of religion.
The decision was made during a meeting of these organisations held at Seng Khasi College on Tuesday.
They also urged all adherents of the indigenous faith to uniformly record their religion in the national census and other official records.
Speaking to reporters, Seng Khasi Kmie vice-president P.D. Nongrum said it was a consensus decision of all participating traditional faith bodies, including organisations from the Jaintia Hills.
He said the move was aimed at ensuring a common uniform religious identity for followers of the indigenous faith during the census exercise.
Nongrum pointed out that during previous census exercises, many followers of the traditional faith were often classified under categories such as “others” and “non-Christian”, resulting in the absence of a distinct identity in official records.
He said the government of India has issued clear guidelines to census enumerators to record the religion exactly as stated by individuals during the enumeration process.
“Therefore, whenever census officials visit households, followers of the indigenous faith should clearly state their religion as ‘Niam Khasi Niam Tre’ so that it is properly reflected in the census records,” Nongrum said.
The traditional faith organisations expressed hope that a unified response from adherents would help ensure accurate representation of the indigenous faith community in official statistics and government records.
Traditional faith organisations have accused the KHADC of failing to protect Khasi customs and traditions and instead creating obstacles for followers of the indigenous Khasi faith.
Nongrum cited recent developments in Hima Sohra and Hima Mylliem as examples of what he described as a growing disregard for customary practices and indigenous religious traditions.
Referring to the situation in Hima Sohra, he said Marremdor Syiem completed all customary religious rites, including the traditional installation ceremony, which the Dorbar Hima had endorsed. Despite this, formal recognition had not been granted, and an Acting Chief was appointed instead, he said.
According to Nongrum, the customs of Hima Sohra require a Syiem to perform specific traditional religious rites before assuming office. He maintained that Marremdor Syiem, having fulfilled these requirements, should be issued the sanad in accordance with the customary laws of the Hima.
On the suspension of the Syiem of Hima Mylliem, Nongrum questioned the timing of the action. While the District Council cited the Hima’s failure to remit contributions, he pointed out that the matter had allegedly remained unresolved for three to four years without any major intervention.
He questioned why the issue gained prominence only after the High Court of Meghalaya permitted followers of the Khasi indigenous faith to perform traditional religious rites in Raid Mylliem.
Nongrum said the three principal Khasi Himas—Khyrim, Mylliem, and Sohra—are institutions deeply rooted in customary traditions, where the Syiem is expected to perform traditional religious ceremonies.
He expressed concern over situations in which persons not belonging to the Khasi indigenous faith could be entrusted with responsibilities linked to these institutions.
Warning against what he termed attempts to create divisions on religious grounds, Nongrum urged the elected members of the District Council to safeguard Khasi customs and traditions. He said any weakening of these traditions could have long-term consequences for the identity and cultural heritage of the Khasi people.
He further alleged that followers of the indigenous Khasi faith have faced discrimination on several occasions.
Recalling an incident in 2017, Nongrum said adherents of the traditional faith in Mylliem had to approach the court to secure permission to perform the last rites of late Gulam Nongrum according to Khasi religious customs.
He also claimed that land belonging to Seng Khasi organisations had been encroached upon by certain village authorities and influential groups. According to him, requests for land to establish traditional cremation grounds had been denied, while sizeable areas had been allotted for burial purposes.
Nongrum further alleged that followers of the Khasi faith had faced repeated obstacles in conducting religious ceremonies in Raid Mylliem, forcing them to seek judicial intervention to exercise what they consider their customary rights.
He further maintained that greater efforts are needed to protect indigenous religious practices and customary institutions, which they said form an integral part of Khasi identity and heritage.
