Shillong, Aug 13: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) was asked to constitute sub-committees to be headed by the council’s members for codifying customary laws of different Himas.
In a memorandum submitted to the KHADC chief Hispreaching Son Shylla here on Monday, chairman of the Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya (GCCM) John F Kharshiing urged the present Executive Committee to constitute sub-committees headed by MDCs for codifying the customary laws of the different Himas under the council’s jurisdiction.
He said that the sub-committees may also be directed to come up with draft Bills and accordingly seek views and suggestions within 60 days before approving by the council, and getting the assent of the Governor within November this year.
Kharshiing urged the Executive Committee to find out ways and means to ensure that this is done in order to empower the indigenous community before the upcoming MDC elections to be held next year.
He added that despite the existence of the district council in the past of 66 years, yet the indigenous people are at the receiving end due to the absent of Acts and Rules.
He pointed out lack of clarity in existing Acts where the Syiem fails to convene a Dorbar.
The GCCM chairman also pointed out that Himas which are without Acts and Rules include Khyrim State/Syiemship, Sohra State/Syiemship, Nongspung State/Syiemship, Mawsynram State/Syiemship, Mawphlang State/Lyngdohship, Sohiong State/Lyngdohship, Lyngiong State/Lyngdohship, Mawdon State/Sirdarship, Dwara Nongtyrnem State/Sirdarship, Nonglwai State/Sirdarship.
The Elaka sirdarship like Mawbeh Larkhar Sirdarship, Laitkroh Sirdarship, Laitlyngkot Sirdarship, Marbisu Sirdarship, Saitsopen Sirdarship, Synnei Sirdarship, Sohbar Sirdarship, Tyrna Sirdarship, Umniuh-Tmar Sirdarship, Mawmluh Sirdarship and Wahlong Sirdarship are also without any Acts and Rules, he said.