Shillong, May 25: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization today sent letter to the Chief Executive Member of the KHADC Mr. Wiston Tony Lyngdoh, to constitute a Committee for Inquiry into the Hima Mylliem Budget and lack of effective governance and transparency related issues.
To make effect the legislative recommendations of the District Council Commission relating to Hima Mylliem and accepted by the Executive Committee of United Khasi – Jaintia Hills Autonomous District on 20th February 1957 (copy enclosed)
The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization Central Body, are writing this in light of significant and concerning recent developments regarding the governance of Hima Mylliem. The suspension of Ainam Manik Syiem from his position as the Syiem of Hima Mylliem, enacted by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), has raised urgent questions among the citizens we represent.
This suspension was officially documented in a notification by the Executive Committee of the KHADC dated May 22, 2026, and is the result of serious allegations involving financial mismanagement, specifically concerning a massive sum of 3,200 crore which includes 3 crore approximately in 2025-2026 in market revenue and dues that remain non-compliant and unresolved.
It is shocking that only 3 crores has been generated in 2025-2026 it is unbelievable we also learn that no public tendering has been done and no such information has been circulated by the Dorbar Hima Mylliem to all Dorbar Raid or Dorbar Shnong to announce of such tendering of their markets.
If investigated we are sure the revenue generated will be found to be more than 20 to 30 crores by the Dorbar Hima Mylliem but the past Executive Committees of KHADC did not take any corrective action even when no accounts have been submitted before the annual Dorbar of u khun u hajar citizens.
Strangely, in this IT age this “institution of self government” with huge revenue in crores administering over 600 villages which includes an inter-state Meghalaya – Assam boundary does not even have a website where citizens can avail of all the advertisements, accounts and its activities, even the important issues of Boundary disputes between Meghalaya and Assam, the illegal settlement of outsiders along the border has never been discussed at the Dorbar Hima Mylliem.
The identity of the Hyniewtrep People is in their Annual Dorbar Hima where all citizens take part, however this Annual Dorbar Hima as per the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnong Syiemship) Act 2007, section 2 (e) “Durbar Hima” means the General Durbar of Mylliem Syiemship comprising of the Syiem, the Deputy Syiem, the Basan, the Myntri, the Lyngdoh, the Syiem Raid, the Lyngdoh Raid, the Longsan, the Rangbah Shnong alongwith the elders and representatives of villages and urban localities and ki khun ki hajar of the Hima, as may be summoned by the Executive Durbar at least once a year and to be presided by the Syiem and in his absence by the Deputy Syiem. In the event of any emergency, the Durbar Hima may be convened as deem necessary.
However, this is rarely convened by the Dorbar Hima Mylliem since many years due to all these financial irregularities and hence a review has to be done urgently to correct /amend such acts. The irony is that there is no provision to guide as to what u khun u hajar should do if the Syiem and Dorbar do not convene the annual Dorbar Hima.
There is no requisition provision. It also seems like the Acts and Rules have been framed to favour only the few. In the past we have seen a number of petitions for improving the Acts and Rules however, the past Executive Committees have failed to address these issues.
Given these circumstances, we earnestly demand constitution of a comprehensive inquiry committee comprising of persons of integrity to look into the financial obligations of Hima Mylliem that are owed to the District Council, particularly regarding existing market regulation laws and to recommend steps to correct such Acts and Rules.
HITO recall a similar five member commission comprising of J. Rynjah, CEM, Chairman of the Commission, Bormanick Syiem, R Atiar Sing Syiem, HE Pohshna and H Hadem was constituted by a District Council resolution on 19 Nov 1956 this commission submitted valuable recommendations relating to the Electoral College of Mylliem Syiemship on 15th Feb 1957.
The recommendation in clause 4. States quote “ A new constitution for Mylliem State is urgently necessary if it is to survive, which must include all state subjects in Shillong and the Bhoi Country.
No nation can survive in these days without the support of the majority of the people”, further the concluding part of the recommendation states “ we are therefore of the opinion that in the present circumstances of democratic days we as a democratic people should not fail to take such steps as will advance our democratic rule in the right direction so that there may be no revolutionary upheaval because of unwise obstinacy”. Copy of the recommendations are enclosed)
Unfortunately even after 69 years (2026-1957) the recommendations of the Executive Committee of the District Council to provide wider representation and participation of the Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Shnong within Hima Mylliem is yet to be implemented and this is leading to instability and lack of transparency where the entire Hima is manipulated by a few vested individuals.
It is crucial to ensure accountability and transparency in this matter, allowing the community to regain trust in their leadership and governance structures.
Moreover, we propose the translation of the Mylliem Act 2007/2008 and Rules 2015 and relevant regulations from English into Khasi. We believe this initiative is vital and urgent because it would make these critical legal documents accessible to the local population.
Mandatorily distributing these translations to all Dorbar Shnong and Dorbar Raid within Hima Mylliem will empower our citizens to engage meaningfully in civic discussions and foster an informed dialogue about issues that affect their daily lives, subsequently protecting and promoting our cultural integrity.
HITO would like to further suggest the establishment of an annual budget session for the Mylliem Hima so as to enable u khun u hajar to discuss such budgets, where as till date only a few Myntris and KHADC use to know about such Budgets. This session would serve as a vital platform for citizens to gather, discuss, and address pressing issues pertaining to the community’s wellbeing.
Key topics for discussion should encompass land disputes, adherence to building by-laws, and the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for ATMs. In particular, the matter of ATMs located along roadways without adequate parking facilities is critical.
The absence of regulated development has led to severe traffic congestion in our communities, with a single establishment capable of attracting between 50 to 70 vehicles, thereby creating chaotic conditions on our streets.
This issue demands immediate attention and structured dialogue to seek practical solutions. The failure of the Dorbar Hima Mylliem to address these issues with the local village Dorbar is another example of the faulty governance structure.
In reviewing the legislative framework of the Mylliem Hima, we have identified that the 2007 Act and the 2015 Rules are in urgent need of reform. There is a concerning trend where the stipulation requiring an annual Hima assembly is frequently overlooked or entirely disregarded.
To address this, we propose that such assemblies be convened regularly and that they include representatives from Raid authorities, particularly the Rangbah Shnong (village heads) including prominent members of the community. This inclusion is critical for ensuring that all voices in the community are heard and represented in governance processes.
Additionally, They believe the time has come for a more structured and effective governance approach to be established through the formation of a legislative assembly specifically for the Mylliem Hima. This assembly should comprise 100 village authorities, all relevant Raid authorities, as well as representatives from the local elders, and the Lyngdoh. They recommend that this assembly convene every four months, mirroring the operational schedules of our national Parliament, State Assembly, and District Council.
Such regular and structured meetings would not only clarify numerous systemic issues we face but would also foster transparency and mitigate concerns regarding bias or favoritism in decision-making.
Addressing these multifaceted issues necessitates a clear and thoughtful demarcation and reform of the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary systems within the Mylliem Hima. We strongly believe that these changes are not merely beneficial but necessary for the advancement of our governance framework and the overall welfare of our community.
They sincerely appreciate your attention to these pressing matters and look forward to your positive and constructive response to bring about reform so as to empower the citizens through wider participation and transparency, the letter was sign by the President Mr. Donbok Dkhar and Mr. Shaniah Nongrum Legal Secretary.
