Shillong, Jul 6: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has called upon traditional authorities in the Khasi Hills to return their sanads to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) or join in a collective effort to clarify the legal status of customary institutions.
HITO said this appeal comes amid the growing legal uncertainties and recurring disputes concerning the powers and jurisdiction of traditional bodies.
In a press note-cum-open letter directed at various traditional leaders, HITO raised concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding the legal foundation of customary institutions.
The organisation pointed out that frequent disagreements between the KHADC and traditional leaders have injected confusion among the public regarding the governance and land administration by these institutions. By returning their sanads, HITO believes traditional authorities can make a “symbolic constitutional appeal” to prompt necessary discussions.
HITO suggested that a constitutional convention be held at the KHADC premises, inviting traditional authorities, constitutional experts and historians and to codify the legal framework governing the customary governance structures like dorbar shnong, dorbar raid, and dorbar hima.
They said the current disagreements reflect unresolved constitutional and historical questions since the Khasi Hills’ integration into the Union of India, including matters related to the Instrument of Accession and the Sixth Schedule. It also referenced the Khasi National Assembly of the late 1940s and called for an “independent constitutional and historical review” of laws governing Khasi traditional institutions.
They also raised concern that while the KHADC enacts laws affecting traditional powers and jurisdictions, the Syiems, Lyngdohs, Sirdars, Wahadars, Rangbah Raids and Rangbah Shnongs do not have a formal role in the law-making process.
The organisation further urged traditional authorities to “rise above political differences” and unite to safeguard indigenous land rights, Khasi customary governance, the dignity of the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima, Sixth Schedule protections, and Hynñiewtrep heritage.
HITO stated that the call for the constitutional convention is not an invitation to conflict, but rather a step towards dialogue and stronger cooperation between traditional institutions and the KHADC.
