SHILLONG: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has issued a stern warning stating that Khasis who violate the Lineage Act risk losing their official recognition as members of the Khasi community.
This crucial information was shared in the House by Deity H. Majaw, the Executive Member (EM) in charge of Legal Affairs, while replying to a query brought forward by NPP Member of District Council (MDC) from Nongskhen constituency, Grace Mary Kharpuri, and the Leader of the Opposition, Titosstarwell Chyne.
During the session, Grace questioned the executive committee regarding the specific steps taken against individuals who fail to take their clan title or surname from the mother’s side, as prescribed under the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Lineage) Act, 1997, along with its subsequent amendments.
Concurrently, Titos sought further clarification on whether this particular Act strengthens the matrilineal custom of taking the mother’s clan name.
In her response, Deity explicitly stated that individuals who violate the regulations of the Khasi Lineage Act stand to face the disqualification of their recognition as Khasi people.
She explained that the 1997 Act, when read together with the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Act, 2007, makes it absolutely clear under Section 10 that penal measures will be taken against violators.
She informed the House that those who violate the Act will have their Khasi status revoked, and anyone who chooses to deny or reject their identity as a Khasi will subsequently be stripped of their official recognition as one.
The Executive Member further clarified that if both the mother and the father are Khasi, their children must naturally be recognized as Khasi as well.
Furthermore, she answered in the absolute affirmative when confirming that the Act strongly reinforces the age-old tradition of adopting the mother’s clan title.
