SHILLONG, JUNE 26: Opposition Khasi Hills United Democratic Alliance (KHUDA) members staged a walkout to protest against the introduction of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Nomination and Election of the Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Myntri, Basan and Rangbah Shnong of Bhowal Syiemship) First Amendment Bill, 2014 by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC executive committee.
The protest came after the KHADC deputy chairman, Pyniaid Syiem requested the EC member in-charge of Elaka, PK Pangniang to introduce the amendment bill on the fourth day of the budget session on Thursday.
As soon as the deputy chairman gave a go-ahead for the introduction of the bill, Congress MDCs led by Opposition leader Pynsgnainlang N Syiem stood up and opposed the council move stating, “The matter is sub-judice and pending in the high court.”
The situation heated up when the Congress MDCs started beating their tables expressing their opposition to the decision of the council.An agitated leader of opposition was seen hitting the table several times while debating on the issue.
Earlier, the deputy chairman had clarified that he had taken legal advice on the matter and came to the conclusion that since it was a legislative matter it can be taken up in the house.
Not satisfied by the clarification, the opposition sought the definition of the term “motion” from the deputy chairman. The opposition also accused the EC of not only being biased but also bulldozing by introducing the bill.
Opposition also questioned as to how a person who is just 20 years and 9 months old can be an acting Syiem of Hima Bhowal when the eligible age is 25 years.
Syiem also quoted Rule 71 (A) Sub Rule 3 (i) on the condition for admissibility of motion – “It shall not relate to any matter which is under the adjudication by a court of law having jurisdiction in any part of India.”
Speaking to reporters after the session, opposition leader said, “We opposed the move of the council since the amendment bill is sub-judice and shows the EC bulldozed to introduce the bill.” He also informed that the opposition will not allow discussion on the amendment bill.
The opposition leader also informed that they will send a representation to the Governor on the issue. He said the opposition will not allow the present EC to do away with the traditional system of electing a chief of a Hima.
The leader also questioned the absence of KHADC chairperson Teilinia Thangkhiew from the house and accused that the issue was forced upon someone to finish the job.
Meanwhile, CEM Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit who also met reporters took exception to the “unparliamentarily language” used by the opposition members. He also took umbrage at the leader of opposition who accused the EC of playing politics and having some plans behind bringing the amendment bill.
“His (Syiem’s) younger brother was the acting Syiem for seven years even during his tenure as CEM. It is he who is having personal interest,” Basaiawmoit accused the opposition leader.- By Our Reporter
They talk abut Rat hole being traditional and should be maintained and here we have an introduction of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Nomination and Election of the Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Myntri, Basan and Rangbah Shnong of Bhowal Syiemship) First Amendment Bill, 2014, which is going to change an age old traditional practice….was there any consultation with the People? People should know the reasons for this introduction. They cannot just bulldoze something in the House without public consent… They are not at all authority but Public servants and anything introduced should be with the consent and authority of the people they represent.