Nongpoh, June 27: The newly elected office-bearers of the Dorbar Shnong Umjarasi in Ri Bhoi district were formally sworn into office on Saturday following the successful completion of the village election held on June 20.
The election saw villagers reposing their confidence in the outgoing leadership, resulting in the re-election of Bah Moris Lyngdoh as Rangbah Shnong and Bah Everstone Marbaniang as Secretary for another three-year term.
Besides the two key office-bearers, the newly constituted executive body includes Bah Raymond Gatphoh as Assistant Rangbah Shnong, Bah Kyrshanlang Nongkynrih as Assistant Secretary, Bah Tirot Sing Nongrum as Treasurer, Bah Denis Rani as Publicity Secretary, along with nine Executive Committee members.
The oath-taking and installation ceremony was conducted by the Election Committee of the Dorbar Shnong at the village community hall. Representatives of the Dorbar Ki Khasi 5 Shnong, led by Chairman Bah C.B. Syiem and Secretary Bah Vicky Syngkli, administered the oath of office, presented the traditional ceremonial turban (Paila), and handed over the official sanad recognising Bah Moris Lyngdoh as the Rangbah Shnong.
The ceremony was attended by a large gathering of villagers and featured traditional songs and cultural performances, reflecting the community’s support for the newly installed leadership.
Addressing the gathering, Bah Moris Lyngdoh and Bah Everstone Marbaniang expressed their gratitude to the residents of Umjarasi for once again placing their trust in them. They thanked the people for their support during the previous three-year term and pledged to continue working sincerely for the welfare and development of the village during their new tenure.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of the Dorbar Ki Khasi 5 Shnong, Bah C.B. Syiem, commended the people of Umjarasi for their choice of leadership. He said the re-elected leaders had demonstrated dedication and efficiency not only in managing village affairs but also in contributing significantly to the functioning of the Nongpoh Town Committee and the Dorbar Ki Khasi 5 Shnong.
He noted that the decision of the villagers to re-elect the same leadership reflected both the capability of the office-bearers and the wisdom of the community in selecting committed representatives.
Meanwhile, speakers also highlighted the long-pending administrative issue concerning the five Khasi villages, including Umjarasi, which presently fall under the jurisdiction of Raid Marngar. Although these villages have functioned independently for over 15 years after distancing themselves from the traditional administrative structure of Raid Marngar, they are still awaiting a final decision from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) regarding the formal separation of the five villages from the Raid’s jurisdiction.
The leaders expressed hope that the District Council would take an early decision to resolve the matter and recognise the long-standing aspirations of the affected Khasi villages.
