SHILLONG :Voice of the People Party (VPP) president and Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit has cautioned against attempts to interpret the functioning of the present Executive Committee (EC) in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) through a religious lens amid the ongoing controversies involving traditional institutions in Khasi Hills.
In a statement shared on social media, Basaiawmoit said public discussions surrounding Hima affairs were increasingly shifting away from governance and accountability issues and instead being viewed primarily through religious identity.
According to him, attention should be placed on “the performance and functioning of the syiems and traditional chiefs” rather than reducing every issue to matters of religion.
He further warned that attempts to communalise debates surrounding traditional institutions could create unnecessary divisions among indigenous tribal communities in the state.
“This is a dangerous attempt to sow the seed of hatred among indigenous tribals in the name of religion,” Basaiawmoit stated.
The VPP chief also appealed to people to avoid narratives or actions that could weaken social harmony within Khasi society.
“Refrain from doing anything that will harm and ruin the future of our indigenous tribal community,” he added.
Related : KHADC suspends Hima Mylliem Syiem over alleged non-compliance in financial returns
His remarks come at a politically sensitive time, with discussions intensifying over the KHADC’s handling of matters involving traditional institutions, including Hima Sohra and the recent suspension of Hima Mylliem Syiem Ainam Manik Syiem over alleged financial non-compliance linked to market revenue dues.
The suspension of the Hima Mylliem Syiem by the VPP-led KHADC has triggered strong reactions on social media and within sections of indigenous faith groups, with some critics alleging that traditional heads associated with Niam Khasi and Niamtre beliefs are being selectively targeted.
The discussions grew stronger following controversies involving Hima Sohra and the suspension of Hima Mylliem Syiem Ainam Manik Syiem over alleged financial irregularities linked to market revenue dues.
Some social media users and indigenous faith supporters have questioned whether traditional heads associated with Niam Khasi and Niamtre beliefs are being unfairly targeted — a claim that has also triggered political reactions online.
The VPP leadership, however, has maintained that issues concerning Himas should not be viewed through a religious lens.