FKS delegation calls on CEM on VAB

A REPORTER

SHILLONG, July 13: A delegation of representatives of the Himas, Raids and Shnongs numbering more than 40 Syiems (Kings), Syiem Raids and Rangbah Shnongs (Headmen) under the umbrella of Federation of Khasi States (FKS) on Monday met the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), PN Syiem to seek his intervention to remove Section 13 and 15 from the VAB.

“We came to meet the CEM of KHADC and appeal before him to take necessary action to safeguard the interest of Khasi customary institutions to ensure their continuity by removing these two sections because if these sections remain in this bill then it would forever “eclipse” the ancient Khasi traditiol institutions,” advisor of the FKS, Laborious S Manik Syiem told media person here on Monday.

Syiem said that the CEM has assured them that that they will soon call for an Executive Committee meeting to discuss and examine the memorandum submitted by them and if there is anything wrong with the Bill they will rectify it.

The advisor of the FKS also said that the current Village Administration Bill, 2014/15 has certain lacu and if not corrected would lead to the complete eclipse of the customary powers of the three tiers, the Dorbar Hima, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Shnong and in turn will compromise its authority to safeguard the tribal land and other customary practices as well as to govern the village under its jurisdiction.

According to him under clause 13 and 15 of the VAB-2014-15 there will be creation of two power centres in the village and the new power centre usurps all powers and responsibilities of the traditiol Dorbar Shnong.

Syiem further appealed the District Council to consider their proposal to set things right by making necessary amendments to VAB-2014-15.