Shillong, May 12: The controversy over Hima Sohra refused to die down with the banned Khasi underground outfit – Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) – hitting out at VPP president Ardent M. Basaïawmoit for his stand on the issue.
In a statement issued today, HNLC general secretary Saiñkupar Nongtraw accused Basaïawmoit of failing to respect local traditions relating to governance and appointment of the Syiem of Hima Sohra.
Flaying Basaïawmoit for raising the issue of Hima Sohra at a recent public gathering at Mawlai, the HNLC said, “At the public meeting, Ardent Basaïawmoit publicly attacked the HNLC for defending the legitimate concern over the Sanad of Syiem Sohra. He boldly declared, ‘I am a Khasi and I know well the riti-dustur.'”
The HNLC also alleged that the Executive Committee of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) led by the VPP has interfered with the appointment of the new Syiem of Sohra.
“When ‘ki khun ki hajar ka Hima Sohra’ and the HNLC stood in support of Marremdor Syiem as the rightful successor of the Hima, the KHADC ignored their voice because political interest became more important than the will of the people,” the HNLC said.
Alleging that the delay by KHADC in granting the Sanad (appointment) to Marremdor Syiem was to create a “political space” for his rival Planet Syiem to contest for the post of Syiem Sohra, the HNLC also said the delay was unjustified as the Hima had already chosen Marremdor Syiem as the successor.
“Today, many people believe the real objective is political control over Hima Sohra, its authority, and its revenue while pretending to act in the name of protecting tradition,” the outfit added.
It also argued that the VPP’s manifesto promising to protect indigenous customs, culture and identity was false as Basaïawmoit himself practices patriarchy since his children carry his patrilineal surname.
“If the president of VPP privately practises patriarchy while publicly preaching matriliny, then VPP is not a party for culture. It’s just a cultural performance,” the HNLC alleged.