SHILLONG: The appointment of a new Syiem (Chief) of Hima Sohra triggered heated exchanges during the Budget Session of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Wednesday. The controversy erupted after Shella MDC Barikular Symrem moved a “Cut Motion,” highlighting what he termed an administrative deadlock.
Sohra MDC Titostarwell Chyne strongly criticised the KHADC Executive Committee (EC), accusing it of unnecessarily delaying the appointment process. The leadership vacuum emerged following the demise of the former Syiem, Freeman Sing Syiem, on October 31, 2025.
Chyne maintained that Hima Sohra has already completed all traditional rites and customary procedures required for selecting a successor.
During the debate, Chyne raised several points of contention. He alleged that the Executive Member (EM) in charge of Elaka, Denzil Raynard Chen, had earlier assured resolution within a week, but over a month and a half has passed without progress.
Chyne also questioned why the EM publicly refused to recognise Maremdor Syiem as Deputy Syiem, despite an official Council letter dated November 19 addressing him by that designation.
He challenged the appointment of an Acting Syiem from the cabinet of ministers (Myntri), arguing that it violates Section 11 of the 1959 Act since a Deputy Syiem is already in office.
Responding to the allegations, EM in charge of Elaka, Denzil Raynard Chen, clarified that the Council is strictly following Rule 4 and existing regulations. He noted that Hima Sohra does not yet have a specific Act governing leadership transitions.
Chen stated that the Council cannot proceed with a direct appointment as another candidate, P. Syiem, has officially filed a nomination to contest the post.
He said the primary responsibility of the Acting Syiem is to prepare and verify electoral rolls to ensure a transparent and legally valid election.
Rejecting allegations of undue delay, Chen pointed out that leadership transitions in Hima Sohra have historically taken several years, and warned against rushing the process at the cost of customary laws and Council regulations.
“The Council is not delaying without reason. We must ensure the electoral roll is accurate so the election can be conducted properly under the law,” Chen stated.
The EM assured the House that the Council has instructed the Acting Syiem to expedite the preparatory process. He reiterated that the objective remains to appoint a full-fledged Syiem of Hima Sohra at the earliest, once all legal and traditional requirements are fulfilled.
