KSU demands KHADC to take action against ‘illegal’ headmen, villages in Majai area

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 1, 2020

The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has decided to summon the Syiem of Hima Sohra on the alleged functioning of non-indigenous headmen under Majai area which is in violation against the KHAD (Administration of Elaka) Act, 1991.

The decision was taken after a delegation of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has met and submitted a complaint demanding the council to seek arrest of five self-styled headmen to the executive member (EM) in-charge Elaka Jambor War on Wednesday.

The complaint was based on a joint letter written by the self-styled headmen of five non-tribal villages to the KSU to clarify on the Ichamati clash incident, which led to the killing of a KSU activist, following a public meeting to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on February 28, this year.  

The signatories of the joint letter include Mulor of Proper Majai and headmen of Nayabasti, Chaklabasti, Dhorombasti and Alubari. The KSU has also sought action against the illegal establishment of these villages with non-tribal names.

After the meeting, War told reporters that he would immediately summon the Syiem of Hima Sohra on the matter before deciding on the action to be taken.

“We will seek explanation from the Syiem on whether he has granted the approval for establishment of these villages vis-à-vis the appointment of the headmen. Based on our findings, we will decide on the action as per the Act,” War said.

When asked, the EM admitted that the appointment of non-tribal headmen is illegal as per KHAD (Administration of Elaka) Act, 1991.

“Only a local indigenous resident of the region can be elected as headman of a village in tribal areas,” he said adding “The Elaka department under his leadership has also decided to change places or villages having foreign names to local names.”

To another query, the EM also maintained that the department will also take action against the Syiem if he is found that the establishment of the new villages is done without the knowledge and approval of the KHADC.

Earlier, KSU assistant general secretary Readyon S Nongrum has expressed surprise that the EM was unaware about the establishment of new villages by non-tribals in Majai areas.

“We have therefore demanded the Council to seek immediate arrest of the self-styled non tribal headmen and to declare such villages as illegal,” he said. According to him, this is a clear attempt by non-tribals to take away the land rights of the indigenous people.

Nongrum has also warned the non-tribal to refrain from such illegal acts. “If the authorities concerned fail to address this issue, the KSU will be compelled to take stern action at any time,” he said.