Staff Reporter
SHILLONG:
The Hynniewtrep National Youth Movement (HNYM) on December 20 threatened to lock down the office of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) by the first and second week of January if the Council fails to act against the self-styled Garo headmen in Ri Bhoi district.
This comes after the Garo community of Ri Bhoi district under the banner of All Ri Bhoi Garo Headman Association on December 19 organised a protest rally demanding recognition of Garo headmen (Nokmas) in 56 villages in the district.
The association also protested against the order of Hima Mylliem to the office of Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner to not accept any No Objection Certificates (NOC) or land documents being issued by the Garo headman.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, HNYM president Louis Dohtdong said, “We give the district council and the Hima Mylliem a last chance to delete the words ‘Nongpyniaid shnong’ from the Mylliem Act. The Garos have taken advantage of the words.”
He went on to say that the district council is of no use unless it protects the interest of the Khasi community.
Dohtdong alleged that the Garo headmen issue documents, sale deeds to the Garo people, Manipuri, Nagas, Punjabis and Nepalis and they have violated the Land Transfer Act.
Opposing the demand, the HNYM urged them to stay peacefully although the organisation has no qualms if the Garos approach higher authorities maintaining that they are free to do so in a free country.
He said that the Garos do not have the right to claim themselves as headmen as they are not part and parcel of the customary law in Khasi Hills and they have a separate Garo customary law.