SHILLONG: The executive committee of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Tuesday decided to consult legal experts of the council to discuss the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Act, clause by clause.
KHADC chief executive member HS Shylla referred to contradictory clauses in the Act following the insertion of 3 (d), which states that “any Khasi woman who marries a non-Khasi as well as her offspring(s) born out of such marriage(s) shall be deemed as non-Khasi who shall lose the Khasi status and all the privileges and benefits as a member of the Khasi tribe who cannot claim preferential privileges under any law”.
One of the contradictions is Section 3 (b) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Act, 1997, which states that the offspring of a Khasi mother and a non-Khasi father through legal marriage are recognised as Khasis if they can speak Khasi, unless prevented from knowing the language by circumstances beyond their control.
There are other requirements which are specified in Section 3 (b) of the Act.
“The executive committee has decided to come up with an executive order regarding the clauses that contradict the amendment bill on July 25,” Shylla said.
He added that on any given day, a special session or normal session can be convened as the situation demands.
On the other hand, Shylla has directed the Dorbar Kur (Clans) to register with the KHADC. The Executive Committee has also decided to write a letter to the Khasi chiefs not to be part of the Grand Council of Chiefs, which he termed as “John Kharshiing’s private organisation”.
He added that the Khasi chiefs should be under the KHADC and not under the grand council.
Shylla also appointed Robert June Kharjahrin as the legal advisor to the KHADC CEM.
New Hima Mylliem Acting Syiem
Shylla informed that the EC of the KHADC has removed Ricky Nelson Syiem as the Acting Syiem of Hima Mylliem and appointed Ainam Manik Syiem in his place.
