SHILLONG, APR 6: The Hynniewtrep National People’s Movement (HNPM) on Wednesday accused KHADC chief executive member (CEM) PN Syiem of misleading the people on the recent Supreme Court’s interim order with regards to the traditional headmen.
Addressing a news conference, HNPM president Tony Marbaniang said, “Syiem is acting like a ‘fraud’ and ‘imposter’ when he misled by claiming that the Apex Court has allowed the headmen to continue their function as per rules framed by the district council, which is empowered by the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.”
He also demanded that the KHADC chief come out clear whether the district council or the Sixth Schedule have empowered or teach the headmen to ostracize and allow people to be beaten to death just because of allegation that they are practicing witchcraft.
“The KHADC CEM had never clarified whether the headmen are empowered to continue to ostracize people or to ensure the wellbeing of the village administration,” Marbaniang said.
The HNPM leader also referred to December 10, 2014 ruling of the Meghalaya High Court, which stripped the powers of the headmen following the petition filed by the victims of ostracisation. “We feel the high court has done the right thing though we understand that not all headmen are bad,” Marbaniang said.
In its order issued on February 12, the Supreme Court had stated – “Until further orders, the persons occupying the post of Headmen may continue to function subject to the various instructions framed by the Autonomous District Council as per law under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.”- By Our Reporter
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