SHILLONG, JUNE 23: Day one of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC)’s session on Monday witnessed heated debate over the recent election of Syiem in Malaisohmat Hima as the opposition termed the new KHADC Executive Committee (EC) as “anti-custom”.
During the question hour, a heated argument erupted between the Chief Executive Member (CEM) Ardent M Basaiawmoit and the two former CEMs – Pynsngainlang N Syiem, also the leader of opposition and Manstudy Nongrem on the issue.
While both the ruling and opposition were shouting against each other, KHADC chairperson Teilinia Thangkhiew passed a ruling disallowing members from debating on the issue.
Earlier, the opposition expressed resentment against the EC decision to conduct the election of Syiem of Malaisohmat by allegedly disregarding and disrespecting over 100 years’ of traditional and customary practice of the Hima.
Opposition also opposed the appointment of the present Syiem from Iawrot clan who is not from the five clans that include Malai, Sohmat, Rangsan, Dewkhait and Dewsaw which as per customary practices are allowed to contest for the post. The opposition also included the electoral reforms that were brought in the Hima by allowing all people to participate in the election process.
“The council’s decision which was taken without any consultation with the stakeholders has violated the rights of the eligible electors from the five clans who have been electing the Syiem of the Hima for the past 10 decades,” Syiem said.
Terming the leadership of the new EC as “anti-custom”, Syiem said, “We will not cooperate with the executive committee on the issue as role of the council is to protect and preserve the tradition and customs of the different Himas under its jurisdiction.”
In reply, CEM Ardent M Basaiawmoit while denying the allegation of the opposition said, “The executive committee has conducted the election of the Malaisohmat Hima as per the direction issued by the Meghalaya high court which directed the KHADC to complete the election process within three months.”
Later, the opposition also stood up from their seat and raised slogans shouting “No, No, No” inside the floor of the house as a mark of protest when the EM incharge of Elaka KP Pangniang laid the report of the EC pertaining to election of Syiem Malaisohmat.
“Our slogan is no, no, no,” Syiem said while stating as per the AD rules section 71 A sub rule 3 (i) which clearly stated that any matter lying in court of law cannot be brought for discussion in the floor of the house.
While threatening to take up the matter with the Governor, Syiem also said, “This is the first time in the history, the Syiem has been elected from another clan which has violated and taken away the rights of the people.” He also added that the executive committee has taken the decision in a hush hush manner which is not acceptable.
Syiem urged the council to refrain from trying to uproot the tradition and custom of the Hima.
Former Congress CEM Manstudy Nongrum said, “Even militant outfits have the right for dialogue, but the Council has trample over the rights of the members and the people of the Hima which is not acceptable.”
Alleging that the issue was also being politicized, Nongrum said, “We were informed that on the day of the election, we were told that people were also shouting the lion’s slogan as if there exist a party affiliation in such election of the Syiem. This is also not acceptable.”
Participating in the debate, Laitumkhrah Congress MDC Neil Antonio War questioned whether the council had taken the views and opinion of the people before taking the decision for such electoral reforms in the Hima.
War said, “Such decision will no doubt have ramification on the other 50 Himas under the council’s jurisdiction and this is nothing but politicization of election of the traditional institutions.” He thundred,“We will not accept this report because it will surely have an impact on the other Himas.”
Earlier, while presenting the report, Pangniang informed in pursuance of the high court order issued on February 27, 2014, the election of Syiem Malasohmat was held on June 13 and the result was declared by the returning officer on June 17.
Out of the total of 723 voters, 429 voters participated in the election that was contested by five persons including Ryngkatdor Malai, Phrang John Sing Malai, Winal Malai, Paialast Iawrod and Rangsan Sohmat, Pangniang said.
The post of the Syiem of Malasohmat Syiemship was lying vacant owing to the removal of U Ryngkatdor Malai from the post of the Syiem.
According to Pangniag, votes secured by the contesting candidates were as follows: Paialast Iawrod – 302, Rangsan Sohmat – 113, Ryngkatdor Malai – 5, Phrang John Sing Malai – 2 and Winal Malai with only one vote.
“The EC, therefore under section 5 of the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills, Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Chiefs and Headmen) Act, 1959 as amended hereby recommends to the council that Paialast Iawrod who secured the highest number of votes be appointed as the Syiem of Malaisohmat for life,” Pangniang said.
In his reply, Basaiawmoit referred to an instance in 1893 when there was a crisis in the Hima where it was decided that the matter relating to the election of Syiem be put before the citizens of the Hima adding “To say that council is abusing its power and position is wrong as for us the voice of the people are more important than that of the electors (clans).”- By Our Reporter
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