SHILLONG: The Leader of the Opposition in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Titosstarwell Chyne, has reacted to the removal of the Syiem (traditional chief) of Hima Mylliem, stating that it is premature for him to comment on the actions of the Executive Committee (EC) at this juncture.
He noted that since the Executive Committee deemed it appropriate to remove the chief, he cannot make any definitive statements for the time being.
Chyne disclosed that he is not yet aware of the specific reasons behind the chief’s removal as he has just returned from a long journey and has not been able to visit the office.
However, he assured that once he obtains detailed information regarding the core causes of the removal, the opposition will discuss the matter thoroughly, especially since the upcoming session of the District Council is fast approaching.
The opposition leader stated that they will seek formal clarifications on this removal during the upcoming session, where they plan to review and question the crucial matters surrounding the decision.
Touching upon the core mandate of the local governance system, Chyne reminded that the primary purpose of the District Council is to protect and preserve traditional customs, village administration, the Raids, and the Himas, as empowered by the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which acts as a guardian of these traditional systems.
He further added that, in his view, while the Council’s duty is to sustain these traditions, governance issues and internal turmoil usually stem from within the Himas themselves rather than being initiated by the District Council.
Chyne clarified his stance, stating that if any Hima is in turmoil or if a Syiem acts high-handedly against the citizens and refuses to listen to the Myntris (cabinet ministers of the chief), the District Council has the established authority to entertain such complaints by conducting a judicial inquiry, issuing show-cause notices, and following due legal procedures.
Reflecting on past precedents, Chyne recalled that there are specific procedures and regulations to be followed, emphasizing that the District Council does not historically remove a fully-elected Syiem directly without due process.
While an Acting Syiem can be dealt with more flexibly or suspended for a month or two, a Syiem who has been traditionally and fully elected requires a strict approach.
Chyne expressed that the Executive Committee must do everything it can to avoid summarily dismissing such a chief without substantial grounds and a proper, systematic procedure.
