Shillong, Oct 12: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) recently submitted a representation to the Chief Executive Member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), expressing concerns over individuals from the Garo community functioning as headmen in villages under the jurisdiction of Hima Mylliem.
According to KHNAM, these individuals are operating in villages such as Maikholi, Pillangkatta A, Longkhuli, Mawiong, Gambalbari, Jyrmang, Jolsyiem, Rangsakona, Chibra, Nongspung A, and Nongspung C, which, it says, is in violation of the Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnong of Mylliem Syiemship Act 2007.
The act specifies that a Rangbah Shnong must belong to the Khasi community and be duly appointed as per the act’s provisions. KHNAM also pointed out that these individuals have been issuing no-objection certificates (NOCs) without legal authority and facilitating the sale of land to non-Khasi individuals, violating the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act 1971.
The party demanded immediate legal action against these individuals, citing a recent incident where the headman of 15 Mer was manhandled. KHNAM said that this incident was a slap to the autonomous authority of the KHADC and that failure to address the issue would undermine the purpose of the Sixth Schedule.
