The Khun Hynñiewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has urged the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council to make amendments to two paragraphs in the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous District (Constitution of District Council) Rules 1951 to prevent non-Khasi as voters in the elections.
KHNAM met with Chief Executive Member Shemborlang Rynjah today and sought amendments to paragraph 128(1), sub-paragraph (d), and paragraph 128(3) of the Rules.
The party said that there was a “significant oversight” in the rules that could threaten the indigenous Khasi people, highlighting the urgent need for its revision. It pointed out that the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council currently includes representatives who are not Garo.
KHNAM said the issue had been taken up with the district council since 2014, but without any resolution.
Additionally, KHNAM informed the Chief Executive Member that in the Riad Marwet region, including villages such as Maikholi, Pillangkatta A, Longkhuli, Mawiong, Gambalbari, Jyrmang, Jolsyiem, Rangsakona, Chibra, Nongspung A, and Nongspung C, Garo individuals are serving as Rangbah Shnong (Headmen).
They are reportedly using the letterhead and seal of the Dorbar Shnong, which KHNAM said such act is in violation of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors, and Rangbah Shnong of Mylliem Syiemship) Act 2007.
KHNAM claimed that these self-styled headmen had previously met with the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, seeking to obtain the Rangbah Shnong certificate from the Hima Mylliem, and urged the district council to prevent such illegal actions.
Furthermore, KHNAM expressed concern that the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation of 1954 is not being implemented effectively and requested the new executive committee to refrain from issuing licenses to non-Khasi individuals in areas and fields where the Khasi people are capable of operating their own businesses. They also urged the cancellation of licenses previously granted to non-Khasi individuals.
KHNAM alleged that many non-Khasi individuals are conducting various businesses and trades, with some operating without a trading license and others failing to renew their licenses.
They informed that the CEM has assured that he will be discussing all the matters with the officials of the council.
