UDP unhappy with High Court order on Rangbah Shnong

FROM OUR STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Shillong, Jan 16:  Taking exception to the Meghalaya High Court order that listed out the parameters on the empowerment of the village headmen in the State, the United Democratic Party (UDP) after a meeting with the headmen of the Shillong city today said that the judiciary has transgressed its own domain.

“Following the court order, we have urgently convened a meeting with the traditiol Village headmen and all agreed that the judiciary has no rights to interfere on the traditions and practices of the people”, stated UDP leader Bindo M Lanong adding that all citizens irrespective of the community shall have a right to elect a Rangbah  Shnong.

Terming the High Court verdict as a transgression on the Khasi traditiol practices and culture, Lanong said, “Besides deciding to appeal before the Supreme Court we would also demand a joint session of the three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) to deliberate on the issue.”

The UDP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister further stated that even the Government has no right to make laws on matters related to the traditiol bodies except for the District Councils.

“We will appeal as a political party or collectively with those concern parties”, stated Lanong while appreciating the KHADC decision to move to the Supreme Court on this vital nerves of the Khasi Traditiol practices and Governces at the grass roots level.

On being asked whether the Durbar Shnongs (village councils) or Rangbah Shnongs (Headmen) should fall under the ambit of the RTI, Lanong stated that there are two schools of thoughts in view of the voluntary services rendered by those chosen Headmen.