By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 20: Citing “natural justice” over long-standing custom, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has ignored the demands of Hima Sohra’s traditional heads by insisting on a contested election for the next Syiem, a move critics warn will trigger deep divisions within the historic chieftainship.
Following a meeting on Wednesday with a delegation led by Acting Chief Mynjurlang Majaw, KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh confirmed the Council’s intent to hold an election. The decision comes despite increasing pressure to issue a sanad (appointment letter) to the former Deputy Syiem, Maremdor Syiem, who is backed by the Hima’s traditional authorities.
Lyngdoh justified the Council’s stance by stating that a second contender, one P Syiem, has come forward, and the Executive Committee (EC) cannot deny any eligible individual the opportunity to contest.
“The Council has to uphold the principle of natural justice,” Lyngdoh said. He added that the election process remains stalled because the Acting Chief has yet to complete the preparation of the electoral roll.
The KHADC has now directed the Acting Chief to provide a specific timeframe for completing consultations with various clans (kurs) and Myntris (ministers) to finalise the list of electors. In a notable shift toward formal administration, the CEM stated that all future communications between the Council and the Hima would be strictly in writing to ensure proper documentation, moving away from the “verbal” communications that have characterised the process so far.
The Council’s insistence on an election has been met with stiff resistance. Traditional heads, under the banner of ‘Ka Kynhun ki Khlieh Nongsynshar bad ki Riewrangbah of Hima Sohra’, have warned that forcing a ballot-box solution could lead to a total breakdown of order.
Addressing a press conference at the Shillong Press Club, the group’s secretary, BV Rymmai, alleged that the KHADC has ignored multiple representations and is failing to respect the resolution of the Dorbar Hima held on February 4, which favoured Maremdor Syiem.
The group also questioned the eligibility of the second candidate cited by the KHADC, alleging he no longer resides within the jurisdiction of Hima Sohra. When asked about this, the CEM declined to comment, stating that eligibility would only be determined once formal documents are submitted.
“If the KHADC proceeds with an election, we will meet to decide on a boycott,” Rymmai warned, arguing that the Council’s role should be limited to endorsing the Dorbar Hima’s decision rather than fueling internal conflict.
Another member, Rothell Khongsit, emphasised that the Syiem of Sohra has traditionally been chosen through customary consensus. He urged the KHADC to issue the sanad immediately to avoid a leadership vacuum and further administrative confusion.
