SHILLONG, June 26: The KHADC on Monday made it clear that the Council has barred Khasis from changing their surname/clan by way of a declaration or an affidavit.
KHADC Chief Executive Member, Pyniaid Sing Syiem said the executive committee (EM) will issue a circular to the deputy commissioners of the five districts within in jurisdiction requesting them not to accept any affidavit or declaration from any Khasi person wishing to change their surname/clan.
Replying to a motion moved by Shella MDC Teinwell Dkhar, the CEM reiterated: “No person shall change his/her surname/clan and take or assume any other Khasi surname/clan without the written consent of the Executive Committee of the council as per the provision of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Act, 1997.”
According to him, the change of surname by way of an affidavit will have a negative impact on the Khasi community.
Earlier, while moving the motion, Dkhar said the present matrilineal system of taking the surname of the mother should not be disturbed.
Echoing similar views, Leader of Opposition Titosstarwell Chyne urged the EC to follow up on the notification issued by the previous EC.
