By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 17: Residents of Mawrapad village under Elaka Malaisohmat Syiemship on Tuesday petitioned the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member (CEM), Winston Tony Lyngdoh, demanding the removal of the incumbent Rangbah Shnong, Kyrmenskhem Shangdiar, over allegations of autocratic functioning and misuse of authority.
A delegation met the CEM at his office to submit a memorandum detailing grievances against the village headman. Speaking to reporters, village representatives Pynshongdor Shangdiar and Kaldinus Nongsiej stated they were forced to approach the Council after previous appeals failed to elicit a response.
“We submitted a letter to the authorities on May 14 last year highlighting our concerns, but no action was taken. We have now sought the KHADC’s intervention to ensure justice for the residents,” Shangdiar said.
The complainants alleged the Executive Durbar lacks transparency and ignores the views of the residents. A primary point of contention involves a Dorbar Shnong held on September 29 regarding a proposed plastic waste recycling project.
“The site selected for the project is used by villagers for bathing and daily activities. We requested an alternative location, but our concerns were ignored,” Nongsiej said.
The villagers further alleged that those who opposed the proposal were intimidated. “We were spoken to harshly and threatened with penalties for refusing to sign the proceedings. Decisions were forced upon us without the consent of the majority,” they claimed.
The memorandum also accuses the Rangbah Shnong of overstepping his authority in land matters and threatening to deprive dissenting residents of village benefits.
“We are not against development. We want fairness, transparency, and the right to be heard. A Rangbah Shnong should work for the welfare of all residents, not rule through fear,” the delegation stated.
The residents have urged the KHADC to initiate steps for the removal of the current Rangbah Shnong and to conduct a proper election with a fixed term, consistent with practices in other villages under the Hima.
