SHILLONG: The Synjuk ki Khlieh Nongshynshar of Hima Sohra has voiced strong opposition and indignation regarding the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council’s (KHADC) proposal to conduct an election for a new Syiem (Chief) of Hima Sohra.
The traditional body asserted that there is no dispute or contest over the leadership within the Hima, as the people have unanimously reached a consensus to appoint Maremdor Manik Syiem as the Syiem of Hima Sohra.
Speaking to the press, BV Rymmai, the former Secretary of Hima Sohra, pointed out that the traditional ceremonies for the appointment and cremation of the Syiem were conducted strictly according to ancient rites, covering both life and death rituals.
He noted that the District Council had even sent an Executive Member, Powell Sohklet, to represent them during these ceremonies. Rymmai expressed disbelief that the Council now intends to hold an election, stating that the Hima will not accept the KHADC violating these established customary laws.
Clarifying the status of the individual named by the Council as a rival claimant, Paiem Laborious Manik S. Syiem stated that Planet Syiem is not a resident of Hima Sohra and does not even possess a Voter ID in the region.
According to Paiem Laborious, Planet is the grandson of Diangtimai Syiem, who moved to Mairang many years ago to live with her husband, a Pastor.
Consequently, that lineage’s connection to the Syiemship in Sohra effectively ended over a century ago.
The traditional heads emphasized that according to custom, a person residing in another Hima cannot be elected as Syiem, similar to how a person living elsewhere cannot be chosen as a Sordar.
They further alleged that Planet Syiem failed to appear before the Dorbar Bah of the Hima or the Longsyiem clan during the selection process and has only emerged now due to external instigation.
The Synjuk also reminded the public that Hima Sohra tradition does not permit a person who has converted to Christianity to hold the office of Syiem.
They cited a precedent from 1982 during the tenure of Freeman Sing Syiem, where two candidates were disqualified on these grounds.
The federation accused the District Council of attempting to forcibly break these traditions. Furthermore, they criticized the MDCs for making decisions without a thorough investigation or inviting Maremdor Manik Syiem and the Hima authorities to provide clarification.
In a sharp critique, the Synjuk accused the MDCs of lacking sufficient knowledge regarding traditional customs, alleging that they act arbitrarily because of their political positions. They suggested that unlike MCS or IAS officers, MDCs lack the necessary training and study of indigenous laws.
The Synjuk concluded with a stern warning that they will not accept any election as the Hima has already made its collective decision.
They labeled the statements made by MDCs to the media regarding the election as deceptive, claiming the Council had previously promised to reconsider the matter.
The federation warned that if the KHADC ignores their condemnation, the entire Hima will stand against the Council’s erroneous actions, which they believe are being influenced by outsiders unfamiliar with the indigenous administrative system of Hima Sohra.
