Raphael Warjri

Stepping up its demand over the long-standing issue of Garo headmen in Them Raid Marwet, the Hynniewtrep National Youth Movement (HNYM) on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh, urging immediate intervention into what it described as the continued exercise of authority by Garo village headmen under the Mylliem Syiemship.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the CEM, HNYM President, Louis Dohtdong said the memorandum was intended to remind the KHADC of the organisation's repeated demand, raised before successive Executive Committees, over the alleged recognition of Garo residents of Them Raid Marwet as Rangbah Shnong.

Louis Dohtdong recalled that following sustained pressure from the HNYM, the Mylliem Syiemship, under Paiem Ainam Manik Syiem, had earlier issued an order directing the Syiem of Raid Marwet to withdraw the official seals of all Garo headmen, effectively divesting them of their powers.

However, he questioned reports that surfaced earlier this year claiming that the Rangbah Shnong of Maikhuli had allegedly been assaulted by people from Assam, contending that such reports were inconsistent with the earlier order abolishing the authority of Garo headmen. He alleged that the development exposed a "double standard" on the part of the Mylliem Syiemship and the Syiem of Raid Marwet.

Maintaining that the issue warranted urgent attention, the HNYM urged the KHADC to take cognisance of the matter and initiate appropriate action.