Shillong, July 9: The Central Executive Committee of the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has urged the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to take immediate action against what it described as “self-styled” Garo Rangbah Shnongs (village heads) in eleven villages located in the Ri-Bhoi plains under the jurisdiction of the Hima Mylliem.
Addressing the media on Thursday, KHNAM Working President Thomas Passah alleged that from 2022 to 2025, the organisation had repeatedly informed the District Council about members of the Garo community who were allegedly functioning as Rangbah Shnongs without legal authority.
According to Passah, these individuals have been issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs), signing land sale and purchase documents, issuing village certificates and carrying out other official functions despite not being recognised under the existing laws.
He expressed disappointment that although the matter has been brought to the notice of the KHADC on several occasions, the Council has failed to take any action for nearly a year, even after the new Executive Committee assumed office.
Passah further claimed that such activities are taking place in the villages of Maikhuli, Pilangkata A, Iongkhuli, Mawiong, Gambalbari, Jyrmang, Jolsyiem, Rangsakona, Chibra, Nongspung A and Nongspung C.
The KHNAM maintained that the alleged assumption of the office of Rangbah Shnong by members of the Garo community in these villages is in violation of Section 2(o) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnong of Mylliem Syiemship) Act, 2007.
The organisation has called upon the KHADC to intervene immediately and ensure that the provisions of the Act are enforced to safeguard the traditional administrative system within the Hima Mylliem.
