Shillong, Nov 27: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has alleged that individuals belonging to Garo community under Hima Mylliem had been acting as headmen violating KHADC norms and indulged in illegal selling of land in Ri-Bhoi district.
Raising the matter in a letter to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Tuesday, the KHNAM has sought immediate legal action against the individuals.
“He alleged that individuals from Garo communities are functioning as headmen in villages such as Maikholi, Pillangkatta A, Iongkhuli, Mawiong, Gambalbari, Jyrmang, Jolsyiem, Rangsakona, Chibra, Nongspung A and Nongspung C, which is in violation of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnong of Mylliem Syiemship) Act, 2007,” KHNAM working president Thomas Passah said in the letter to KHADC deputy CEM PN Syiem.
Passah said Section 2 (o) of the 2007 Act clearly states that “Rangbah Shnong” means a traditional elected head of a village or an urban locality under the administrative control and territorial jurisdiction of Mylliem Syiemship who belongs to a Khasi community and is duly appointed as per the provision of the Act.
“In the process it is reported that there is a selling of land under the authorisation of these illegal headmen to person(s) not belonging to the Khasi tribes which is again another violation of section 3 (1) of the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971,” he stated.
“This illegal practice if not tackled legally will demolish the very purpose of the 6th Scheduled,” Passah added.
‘Close illegal shops’
Meanwhile, the KHNAM also demanded for closure of illegal shops and trade operating along the road at Them Iew Mawlong.
“After re-opening of the road at Them Iew Mawlong, we have witnessed several shops and other trades being ran by individual/groups not belonging to the Khasi tribe in that area of the road,” Passah stated a letter to KHADC EM in-charge Trade.
He alleged that the traders don’t have valid trade license issued by KHADC, which is a clear violation of the Trading by Non-Trading Regulation 1954.
“Therefore, we strongly demand that these shops/trade be closed immediately,” the KHNAM said.
