Shillong,June 21:The Dorbar Ki Khlieh Nongsynshar Ka Ri Hynniewtrep strongly condemns the high handedness and politically motivated decision of the Executive Committee, KHADC, led by Shri Ardent M Basaiawmoit, MLA & MDC, Chief Executive Member,(CEM), and Shri. KP Pangniang, MLA & MDC, Executive Member, i/c Elaka, KHADC from the HSPDP party who have issued orders on 19 May 2014, to do away with the customary and social practice and process of election and nomination of Syiem in Malaisohmat State, by directing that the general public should participate to elect the Syiem. This is serious and disrespectful act by the KHADC
This sacrilegious act by the District Council on the traditional institutions of self government is detrimental to the survival of the customary practices, and contradictory to the very objective and purpose for which the Sixth Schedule and District Councils was provided to protect which are the traditional institutions. This act reminds us of how dangerous it is when persons or individuals with little knowledge come to power and decided on important and critical issues such as customary laws and tradition. It is time to do away with political parties in the KHADC.
It is public knowledge that this decision was based purely on political considerations by individuals close to the HSPDP. It is now clear that the HSPDP party who during the MDC elections claimed to be championing the cause of the ‘jaidbynriew’ has now taken decisions against the ‘jaidbynriew’ for promotion of individuals who are supposedly active supporters of the HSPDP. It is however not clear if this decision to destroy with one stroke what has been tradition in Hima Malaisohmat Syiemship for more than 100 years, by the CEM and EM incharge ELaka KHADC who heads the Executive Committee (ARPA which is supported by UDP, HSPDP, and KHNAM) has the mandate of the entire HSPDP party ?
The Dorbar seeks clarification from the HSPDP party which is leading the ARPA coalition and also from its coalition partners like the UDP and the KHNAM parties to openly state if they also support and subscribe to such such ill advised decisions which is serious and detrimental to the very survival of the unique Khasi people. We also seek clarification from the Congress and the NCP MDCs who are also having representation in the KHADC to clarify their commitments to protection and preservation of the customary laws.
What is more shocking is that while the KHADC order of 19 May 2014, quoted an isolated incident during 1893 from the report of Capt D Herbert u Deputy Commissioner, United Khasi and Jaintia Hills, of 1903 wherein the election by the people was held for the post of Syiem and where the Syiem Malai clan won.
Strangely, the KHADC order conveniently avoids quoting the final findings and recommendation in the same report which states quote ‘under no circumstances should an election by the people be held’. The question here is why did the CEM and EM, KHADC turn a blind eye to these facts mentioned in Herberts report which they themselves supposedly rely on. It is clear that this is purely a politically motivated act of aggression and dirty politics conducted by the HSPDP on the traditional institutions.
The Dorbar urge all the MDCs of the KHADC to put party affiliations aside and to oppose this draconian rule under the present Executive Committee, led by the HSPDP under the coalition of ARPA (UDP, HSPDP, KHNAM).
We urge all u Khun u Hajar (citizens) of Hima Malaisohmat to stay united and not to participate in this illegal election convened by the KHADC within Hima Malaisohmat as it is against the traditional customs and practice.
We remind u Khun u Hajar (citizens) that it is these biased acts of commission and omission from the KHADC from time to time which has led to the movement to seek a separate PARTYLESS council the Chiefs. Party based considerations, orders and actions of the KHADC has led to numerous legal litigations only to be overturned by the courts of law, causing a black spot on the records of the KHADC. It is only through a partyless council that the traditional institutions will have permanent clean and just decisions.
The Dorbar will be conducting meetings all over the Hima /Elaka of Khasi Hills to highlight this grave injustice done to the people of Hima Malaisohmat.(SP News)
