Shillong, Oct 15: Leader of Opposition in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Titosstarwell Chyne on Thursday questioned the present Voice of the People Party (VPP)-led Executive Committee’s frequent exercise of powers to remove and suspend traditional heads, saying repeated defeats in court are eroding the prestige of the Council.
Moving a motion for discussing the policy of the EC with regard to Elaka administration, Chyne said the department is one of the most important under the District Council as it is empowered by the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
“The Elaka administration is one of the most important departments under the District Council. As a representative who has been here in the past, I can say this is not a new subject. We have discussed it from time to time. It is sensitive because we have to look after our traditional heads — Syiems, Lyngdohs, Sordars and Rangbah Shnongs who fall within the jurisdiction of the Council,” Chyne said.
He recalled that political parties always promise to strengthen traditional institutions during elections. “We all say during elections that we will strengthen Hima Dorbars and Dorbar Shnongs. When Hima Dorbars and Dorbar Shnongs are strong, the community is also strong. While other states have other systems of village administration, we are proud that we still respect our traditional heads and Dorbar Shnongs,” he said.
Chyne admitted that some traditional heads at times misuse their powers. “It cannot be denied that there are times when village heads misuse their power. That is why the District Council is the custodian, the keeper, the caretaker that looks after the laws. But there are times which are disheartening when there are uproars in the Himas and villages. Sometimes the fault may be from their side, sometimes from the District Council where we misuse the power,” he said.
Stating the objective of the motion, Chyne said, “We have the power to remove, to suspend, and to do what is necessary. The intention of bringing this discussion is so that, as far as possible, those in the EC restrain from removal, suspension and dethroning of Syiems and Rangbah Shnongs.”
Pointing to the recent turmoil, Chyne cited the Hima Mylliem case.
“I give the example of Hima Mylliem. Perhaps the EC suspended the Syiem for not paying the share that the Council is supposed to get. If the EC has taken a decision which is 100 percent correct, why is it that when it goes for appeal, the decision fails? If the court upholds our decision, well and good. But what is surprising is that when it reaches the court, we are overruled,” he said.
“This question I am not putting only to the EC but to all of us. We are an elected constitutional body and any decision we give is constitutional,” he added.
He cautioned that public protests affect all MDCs. “When the public looks towards the District Council, how will we ensure our Himas function smoothly and live in peace, that citizens will not come to Shillong to shout down down KHADC? When they say down down KHADC, it does not mean only the EC but each one of us, all 30 MDCs,” Chyne said.
On litigation, he flagged wasteful expenditure. “The Hima Mylliem case has reached the Supreme Court, now again Guwahati High Court. The expenditure, the lawyer’s fee — is that not wasteful expenditure? If we do not think the decision is correct, we should not take it,” he said.
He also questioned the legal standing of Acting Syiems filing cases. “Once removed, once an Acting is appointed, the Acting who was removed files a case. In what manner does the Acting file a case? The Acting is only temporary, it is the prerogative of the EC to appoint an Acting,” Chyne said.
Listing pending disputes, he said, “You say Hima Mylliem, Hima Langrin, Hima Sohra till now has not been resolved, I don’t know what is the status, Raid Shabong, villages. It becomes a comedy in front of the public — he who wins intends to take over, the other does not give. It is sad and affects the prestige.”
Demanding accountability, Chyne sought details of legal expenses. “I want to know just for Hima Mylliem, how much was spent in the Supreme Court. How many cases where the EC suspended or removed heads has the order stood, how many have been lost? It becomes a comedy,” he said.
He suggested the EC adopt a graded approach. “There are other ways — show cause, call for explanation. We should allow Syiems to bring their replies first. If we are satisfied that their fault is beyond limit, who will support them? It is right to remove them. But if it is not that grave, we should wait and examine first,” Chyne added.
Also Read: NEHU scholars turn Khasi heritage visit into research on governance, festivals and tourism
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The post KHADC losing cases in court over removal of Syiems, LO questions VPP-led EC’s policy on Elaka administration appeared first on Hub News.