Jowai, August, 27: The Dorbar Ki Waheh Kur Ri Jaintia, a division of Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur, convened a general meeting at Amlarem to discuss the preservation of matrilineal clan traditions and the empowerment of clan organizations across the state. The meeting was led by Mr. Khroo L. Pariat, President of Dorbar Ki Waheh Kur Ri Jaintia, who urged the various clans of the Jaintia region to formalize their organizations and register with the District Councils. Mr. R.L. Kharpran, President of Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur Ka Bri U Hynñiewtrep, highlighted the importance of unifying all traditional clans in the state, a movement initiated by the late Mr. H.S. Shylla. He noted the organization’s expansion into five branches across the state: East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Ri Bhoi.
Speakers at the meeting, including Mr. Rapionglang Blah and Mr. Erwin K. Syiem Sutnga, emphasized the need to protect local traditions from potential conflicts with national laws. Mr. Blah recalled past efforts by the High Court, under Retired Justice S.R. Sen, to dismantle traditional village councils, while Mr. Sutnga warned against national laws that might disrupt the social fabric of tribal communities. All speakers collectively advocated for the empowerment of district councils to better defend the interests of tribal communities, with a particular focus on safeguarding the unique cultural and traditional rights of Meghalaya’s residents.
During the meeting, Mr. Khroo L. Pariat, President of Dorbar Ki Waheh Kur Ri Jaintia, introduced and released a significant new publication in the Jaintia region: ‘MEI: Matrilineal Exogamous Institution’, authored by Raphael Warjri. The author, a life member of INTACH provided a brief address on the book, noting that both the Khasi and English editions were already in the custody of the INTACH Meghalaya Chapter, with Dr. Madeline Tham, the Convenor of INTACH, slated to oversee their release. However, Dr. Tham, a grand-niece of a Khasi bard, Soso Tham recommended that the book’s release be honored by the state’s cultural authorities rather than through her institution, expressing her maternal invocation and support for the publication and its importance. It is important to note that, according to Khasi folk tradition, the roles within the family are distinctly defined. The management of domestic affairs is entrusted to the mother and all female members, while males are responsible for matters outside the home. This division of responsibilities is deeply respected, and males are honored and revered as ‘U Khun Dap Shynrang I Mei’- the full-fledged sons of their beloved mothers.
In a fortuitous turn of events, a regional conference of autonomous tribal councils from North East India was taking place in Shillong at the same time. Pyniaid Sing Syiem, the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), was tasked with the release of the book. At the conference, the CEMs of all the tribal councils from the region appealed to the Chief Guest, Mr. Prestone Tynsong, Deputy Chief Minister, to perform the release ceremony. In a notable event, ‘MEI: Matrilineal Exogamous Institution’ was officially released by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, in the esteemed company of all the CEMs from the autonomous tribal councils of North East India.