Nongpoh, July 11: The Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong Ri Bhoi Mihngi (Ri Bhoi East Headmen’s Association) on Friday formally constituted its full executive committee, which was administered the oath of office by B.B Makdoh, the Chairman of the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong Ri Bhoi District.
The association was formed through the collective initiative of village headmen from various villages across eastern Ri Bhoi, covering areas from Umiam to the villages bordering Block II.
The primary objective of the association is to preserve and uphold Khasi customary laws and traditions while strengthening the traditional system of village administration. It also aims to monitor social issues within villages, combat the growing menace of illegal liquor trade and drug abuse, and safeguard the rights of villages by pursuing various government development schemes.
The newly constituted executive committee will be headed by P.B. Sylliang as Chairman, with Pher Teron as Vice Chairman, Ailongbha Pariat as Secretary, Nicholas Malai as Assistant Secretary, S. Thankhiew as Finance Secretary, T. Biam as Treasurer, K. Laloo as Adviser, along with 15 executive members.
Addressing the gathering, B.B. Makdoh said that Ri Bhoi District needs committed village headmen who are willing to come forward to protect and uphold the authority and dignity of traditional village institutions. He remarked that Ri Bhoi is fortunate to have united and dedicated headmen working for the welfare and development of their respective villages. He congratulated the newly elected office-bearers of the Ri Bhoi East Headmen’s Association and urged them to maintain unity so that they can strengthen their efforts and deliver greater benefits to the people.
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Meanwhile, both B.B. Makdoh and P.B. Sylliang voiced strong opposition to the recently proposed KHADC Bill, which reportedly seeks to remove the role of village headmen in land documentation and certification. They argued that such a provision would effectively strip village headmen of their traditional authority.
The two leaders maintained that village headmen must collectively oppose the proposed Bill to ensure that their customary powers are not diminished, whether in matters relating to land documentation or other traditional administrative functions.
