SHILLONG, APR 9: The Synjuk Seng Samla Shnong Byrnihat Area (SSSSBA) Ri-bhoi District today submitted a memorandum to Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Pyniaid Sing Syiem to express opposition to the move of the All Ri-Bhoi Garo Headmen Association and All Khasi Hills Achik Federation (AKHAF) in seeking intervention from chief minister to get recognition as Headman for the Garo community residing in Raid Marwet Ri-bhoi district.
It may be noted that the AKHAF and the All Ri-Bhoi Garo Headmen Association had met chief minister Conrad K Sangma on 7 March to urge him to intervene so that the Garo community can get recognition as headman.
Through the memorandum, the Synjuk Seng Samla Shnong Byrnihat claimed that the demand of the Garo community to get recognition as Headman in villages under Raid Marwet, Mylliem Syiemship, Ri-Bhoi District is against the Rules of the Hima Mylliem, 2007 and United khasi Jaintia Autonomous District Council (Appointment and succession of Chiefs and Headmen) Act, 1959.
“The Synjuk want to remind the Garo community that as per the customary practice and rules of the Hima Mylliem 2007 that the post headmancan only be assign to a Khasi community and not to a non-Khasi hynrei tha Garo community or any other community can only be a resident of such villages” said the memorandum.
The Synjuk claimed that the self-proclaimed Headman by the Garo community is illegal and till date there are individuals who misuse the Seal and the letter head of the Rangbah Shnong.
“The office of the Syiem & Durbar Hima Mylliem through a letter No.MS/V-15/2023/804-13 dated 16/05/2023 had passed and order that all Seals and Letter Head of Rangbah Shnong should be return but till date the self proclaim Headman had not return the Deal and Letterhead.
“In this regard the Synjuk urged upon the KHADC and the Hima Mylliem to intervene and preserve the customary practice of the Khasi which has been passed on by our forefathers”.