Shillong, May 25: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has called for a high-level inquiry into the alleged financial management of Hima Mylliem, involving a sum of Rs 3. 24 crore.
HITO members met KHADC Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh, after the council suspended Ainam Manik Syiem as Syiem of Hima Mylliem recently. President Donbok Dkhar expressed shock at the reported revenue of only Rs 3 crore for the fiscal year 2025-2026, and suggested that a thorough investigation could reveal true earnings between 20 to 30 crores.
The pressure group highlighted lack of public tendering and insufficient reporting during the annual dorbar meetings stating there is a pattern of neglect from past executive committees.
Dkhar stated that Hima Mylliem, which oversees over 600 villages, lacks a digital presence, hindering access to vital information for citizens.
He said critical topics, including boundary disputes and outsider settlements, remain unaddressed at the dorbar meetings.
HITO recalled a five-member commission formed by the District Council on November 19, 1956, which submitted recommendations on February 15, 1957. The commission had said, “A new constitution for Mylliem State is urgently necessary if it is to survive,” and warned against “unwise obstinacy” in democratic days.
“Unfortunately, even after 69 years, the recommendation to provide wider representation of Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Shnong within Hima Mylliem is yet to be implemented. This is leading to instability where the entire Hima is manipulated by a few vested individuals,” Dkhar said.
The group demanded the translation of Mylliem Act 2007/2008 and Rules 2015 from English to Khasi and a legislative assembly meeting for Hima Mylliem with 100 village authorities, Raid authorities, elders, and Lyngdoh, to be held every four months.
On the other hand, the banned Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has criticised the VPP-led executive committee of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) concerning the suspension of the Syiem.
HNCL self-styled general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw described the suspension as a “political assassination” that occurred without any fair inquiry or trial.
Stating that Ainam is the fourth Syiem to face suspension under the KHADC’s authority, he alleged that there is an the abuse of power against traditional heads, stating that Section 7 is being exploited as a method of control over indigenous institutions.
The HNLC stated that the KHADC appointed acting Syiem, Alban Fedrick Syiem is a Christian, which is a systemic attempt to undermine the Khasi identity, which primarily follows the Niam Tynrai faith.
The banned outfit also criticised the VPP president alleging that he is fostering division in the name of religion. “He cannot wash his hands of what is happening in Hima Sohra and Hima Mylliem. Both are happening under his party’s watch. Both follow the same pattern. Both serve the same purpose,” it claimed.
