Shillong, August 03: One the one hand we thank the Executive Committee, KHADC, for referring the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Act, 1997-2005, to be further reviewed. Logically they should also recall the Amendment BILL 2018 to have a proper opinion from experts. If they EC, KHADC had done just this in the first instance all this confusion would have been avoided but because the KHADC is a party based political institution so customary laws become victims of political calculations.
We also Congratulate the new Acting Chief of Hima Mylliem Bah Ainam Manik Syiem, for his resolution to convene the Dorbar Hima Mylliem, however we would like to also recall that the last Dorbar Hima Mylliem on 12 Dec 2000 among others passed resolutions declaring the United Khasi Jaintia Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Chiefs and Headmen) Acts, 1959, as a draconian Act. we look forward to a more transparent Dorbar Hima Mylliem wherein all the Myntris should also place their role, function and responsibilities before the Dorbar Hima Mylliem.
This 1959 Act has been the cause of the lowering of the status and prestige of the Khasi Chiefs and especially the Jaidbynriew Khasi People. Many Chief Executive Members in the past have in meetings with the Chiefs promised to do away/review outdated provisions of the Act however they just remained hollow promises.
Mr John F Kharshiing said that, in clear terms that there is no need to write to the Khasi Chiefs to restrain and threaten the Chiefs the Syiem, Lyngdoh, Sirdar, Wahadar, and Dolloi as they are already accustomed and fighting in courts against such draconian dictats since last 70 years 1952-2018, and we urge the Chiefs not to be brow beaten by such intimidation.
It is because of such unconstitutional threats just like the colonial british who made similar approach, it is this type of political masters approach of KHADC that the Khlieh Nongsynshar Ka Bri Hynniewtrep (The Federation of Khasi States) have been demanding for a separate Council so as not to mix the party based institutions with party less institutions as in the own words of HS Shylla on 27 June 2017, he has stated that ” presently the Sixth Schedule has become like a leaking water tank”
What is more shocking is the fact that KHADC ignored it’s own notification issued by the same CEM, KHADC, in 2005 empowering and giving recognition to the Seng Khasi (Seng kmie) body in the interpretation and codification of the Khasi Customary Laws. Ironically they completely forgot about their own notification and we understand that they KHADC have not sought opinion from the Seng Khasi on this Amendment Bill 2018 which seek to interfer with the age old customary laws.
The Federation of Khasi States, The Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya will never succumb to such draconian threats and have no time to listen to such unconstitutional dictats and it will not cow down to such illegal statements and will continue with it’s objective to seek the incorporation of the Instrument of Assession and Annexed Agreement 17 August 1948 (IOA & AA) within the Constitution of India as per the solemn national commitments entered into between the Govt of India and the Khasi States.
