The dispute surrounding the appointment of the new Syiem of Sohra has taken a sharper political turn after former Syiem of Mylliem, Laborious Manik S Syiem, accused VPP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit of turning a traditional rights issue into a political confrontation.
The latest exchange comes amid growing tension over the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council’s handling of the succession process following the death of the previous Syiem of Sohra last year.
Shillong, May 11 :Former Mylliem Syiem and adviser to the Synjuk ki Khlieh Nongsynshar Hima Sohra, Laborious Manik S Syiem, on Monday strongly criticised Voice of the People Party (VPP) chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, accusing him of misrepresenting the ongoing Sohra Syiem issue for political purposes.
Addressing a press conference alongside traditional heads and elders from Hima Sohra, Syiem said the movement launched by the people of Sohra was aimed at protecting customary institutions and defending the traditional process of selecting a Syiem.
“This is not street-level party politics,” Syiem said.
“Our struggle is about protecting the traditional Dorbar system and ensuring that political interests do not weaken institutions that have survived for generations.”
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The controversy centres around the appointment of a new Syiem of Sohra following the death of the previous chief last year. Although sections of the public and traditional bodies have supported the appointment of Marremdor Syiem, the VPP-led Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has instead appointed an Acting Chief until a formal election process is completed.
The issue triggered protests on May 7, when members of the Synjuk ki Khlieh Nongsynshar Hima Sohra and residents marched to the KHADC office demanding recognition of the customary decision taken by the people of the Hima.
On the same day, Ardent Basaiawmoit reportedly stated at a public meeting in Mawlai that the issue was being politicised to target the VPP. Responding to the remarks, Laborious Syiem said the movement should not be portrayed as politically motivated.
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“You branded innocent people as supporters of a political party when they were simply defending the customs and traditions inherited from their forefathers,” he said.
Syiem stressed that the protest was rooted in the preservation of the traditional Khasi governance system, including the five institutions of Dorbar Ïing, Dorbar Kur, Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima.
“These systems have survived for centuries and continue to remain the binding force of our people,” he stated.
He further argued that the people of Sohra had approached the KHADC seeking confirmation of the Syiem chosen according to customary laws and religious practices of Hima Sohra.
“The District Council has a responsibility to carry out that process,” he said.
Laborious Syiem also questioned why Basaiawmoit, as an MLA and not a member of the District Council, was intervening in the matter.
“You are an MLA, not an MDC. Your role is in the Legislative Assembly,” he remarked.Rejecting allegations of political alignment, ; Syiem also make a clarification that he is not associated with the National People’s Party (NPP) and said his stand was based solely on opposing injustice.
“Let me make it clear once and for all that I am not an NPP member. I will always speak against injustice in any form,” he added.
The issue surrounding the Sohra Syiem appointment is now increasingly becoming both a traditional and political flashpoint, with debates growing over the role of party politics in customary institutions.