The Joint Action Committee of Hima Sohra (JACHS) has lodged a complaint with the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) against Syiem of Hima Sohra, Freeman Sing Syiem on various allegations.
In the complaint, JACHS chairman Pynskhemborlang Sawian alleged that Freeman Sing Syiem was suspended from his post on August 28, 2018 “but during his suspension period, he illegally signed an NOC for land allotment to Baiadalin Rose Lyngdoh”.
Sawian also alleged that during the suspension period, Syiem illegally withdrew an amount of Rs 5 lakh from bank accounts belonging to Hima Sohra.
“The money was withdrawn thrice. On August 30, 2018, he withdrew Rs 50,000 from the account at Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank, Sohra Branch. Another amount of Rs 4 lakh was withdrawn on August 31, 2018 from the account at Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank, Sohra Branch. An amount of Rs 50,000 was withdrawn on August 28, 2018 from the account at State Bank of India, Sohra Branch,” Sawian stated.
The JACHS chairman also alleged that Freeman Sing Syiem had illegally claimed the land of late Mihlang Mawspong, the first resident of Mawspong village and who also belonged to the Rynjah (Phanwanjah) clan.
According to Sawian, the land measuring 1,50,00,000 square metres was inherited by the Rynjah (Phanwanjah) clan in which Brawell Rynjah (Phanwanjah) was entrusted to look after the land.
Further, Sawian alleged that Freeman Sing Syiem had lodged an FIR and a case against Brawell Rynjah who was the authorised person from the clan to look after the land.
The JACHS chairman has urged upon the KHADC to take action against the present Syiem of Sohra for all the illegalities committed during the period of his suspension and the illegal claim over the land belonging to Rynjah (Phanwanjah).