By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The second Amendment of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, elector and Rangbah Shnong of Mylliem Syiemship) Bill, 2012 has been severely opposed by KHADC member and Jaiaw MDC Adelbert Nongrum.
Nongrum questioned the need for a second Amendment of the bill, which was introduced on the first day of the summer session of the KHADC on Tuesday, stating that the bill was finalised without the knowledge of the MDCs.
“How do you expect the bill to be effective if the people who are subjected to this regulation have no knowledge of it?” the Jaiaw MDC questioned.
Coming down hard on Executive Member in charge of Elaka, Lamphrang Blah, Nongrum said “The hush-hush manner in which the bill was introduced raises suspicion over the ultimate motive of the bill.”
He also stated that the amendment will endanger the indigenous communities of the State.
Nongrum’s stand was supported by other members of the House who suggested that the bill should be forwarded to the select committee in order to ensure that it does not affect the traditional rights of the people.
“It would be appropriate to send the bill to the select committee for a thorough study,” Nongthymmai MDC Latiplang Kharkongor suggested.
Meanwhile, the KHADC Chairman has resolved to allow the bill to be studied and given time till June 22 for the members to put forward their opinion.
Hima Dorbar wants amendment of bill
The Dorbar Hima of Mylliem Syiemship has decided to write to the KHADC to amend Section 20 of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnongs of Mylliem Syiemship) Act, 2007, to pave way for Mahindro Rapsang to contest the upcoming 2013 Assembly Election without relinquishing his responsibility as Myntri of the Hima.
As per Section 20 of the Act, the Syiem, Deputy Syiem and Myntri of the Hima are not allowed to take part in active politics.
Sources informed that the Dorbar of Mylliem Syiemship has taken this decision to write to the KHADC during its meeting held on Monday.
“The Dorbar Hima has also resolved to move the Court for redressal if the KHADC refuses to amend the Act,” sources informed.
Earlier, the KHADC Executive Committee (EC) had summoned the Syiem of Mylliem, Latho Manik Syiem, on March 13 to reply on his failure to respond to the letter regarding the complaint against his Myntri (Rapsang) for his alleged involvement in ‘active politics’.
“We had summoned the Syiem of Mylliem since he failed to respond to the letter sent by the Council on the complaint against Rapsang,” Executive Member in charge Elaka Lamphrang Blah said while speaking to reporters here on Thursday.
It may be mentioned that Rapsang had accompanied Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh and Water Resources Minister AL Hek as an Election Observer during the Assembly election in Manipur in January last.
