The Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur-Ka Bri U Hynñiewtrep, accompanied by clan elders from Ri Bhoi, held a meeting at the conference room of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council to discuss issues entrenched within Khasi societal norms, with particular emphasis on the matrilineal lineage system.
The meeting dwelt on the practice of obtaining Khasi surnames through affidavits stating that it devoid of proper scrutiny as well as the misuse of Scheduled Tribe certificates by non-tribal individuals.
Delegates from Ri Bhoi who attended the meeting opposed the customs of “Ring Bia” and “Shaw Bhoi”, stating that they stand in stark contrast to the matrilineal ethos of the Khasi society. While acknowledging these customs’ historical significance in rare instances of family property custodianship, it was unanimously agreed that their practice should be limited to Ri Bhoi clans and not extended to other regions.
Former legislator Rangkynsai Makdoh, President of Ri Bhoi Dorbar R K Shadap, Vice President R L Kharpran, General Secretary Aristotle Lyngdoh were present at the meeting.
Further, the meeting decided to convene another assembly in Nongpoh on July 20 where the Ri Bhoi unit of the Federation of Khasi Clan Elders or Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur-Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep, would engage in a comprehensive dialogue to further address pertinent issues.
