Shillong, July 1: Headmen from seven villages under Khyrim Syiemship along with the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) have strongly opposed against any move of the Sordar of Shnat Raid Tynring to sell 400 acres of land to the defence authority.
The joint delegation on Monday met the deputy chief executive member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Pynïaid Sing Syiem requesting him to immediately intervene into the matter, while alleging that this was done with the consent of the Syiem of Hima Khyrim.
According to them, if such land is allowed to be acquired, the people residing in the seven villages which fall under Ri Bhoi District and East Khasi Hills District would be affected.
The villages include Lumkseh, Mawkynring, Mawkduk, Wahmyntait, Lumdiengan, Lumrit and Kyndeng.
KSU assistant general secretary, Sonstar Nongkhlaw said the Syiem of Hima Khyrim has granted the No-objection certificate (NOC) to the Sordar of Shnat Raid Tynring for selling the said plot of land.
He alleged that the Sordar has also given the power of attorney to one lady, Monosha Warjri, a resident of Umpling Dongumbah, East Khasi Hills District to sell the land.
“We highly suspect that the woman is an agent and the intention was to allow the defence authority to acquire the land in the area,†Nongkhlaw said.
The delegation has asked the KHADC to immediately summon the Syiem and the Sordar of Shnat Raid Tynring to ensure that the power of attorney given to woman is cancelled.
The Sordar of Shnat Raid Tynring, C Aikom Diengdoh had nominated Warjri on December 15, 2009 to be his lawful attorney on the 400 acres of land located at Wahsad, Umsohlang, Shnat Raid Tynring in Ri Bhoi District.
Orkybest Kharumnuid, assistant headman of Mawkynring village and treasurer of the Dorbar Pyllun Ki Hynñiew Shnong, said that the matter came to light after residents of the seven villages have opposed the survey conducted by Warjri.
“The decision of the Sordar to give the power of attorney to Warjri is seen as a move to displace the people of seven villages,†he said.
President of the Dorbar Pyllun Ki Hynñiew Shnong and headman of Wahmyntait village, Nowel Sumer questioned the Syiem of Hima Khyrim for issuing Sanad (appointment) to the Sordar of Shnat Raid Tynring, which is not recognized as per the Hima Khyrim Act.