Shillong : The Federation of Khasi States (FKS), led by its adviser and spokesperson Paiem Laborious Manik S. Syiem, met Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijay Shankar on Monday to raise concerns over the functioning of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Paiem Laborious Manik S. Syiem alleged that the KHADC has begun interfering with and weakening the traditional Khasi system of governance, which, according to the Federation, should instead be protected and preserved.
He said the Federation was compelled to approach the Governor over what it described as the Council’s actions in the appointment and removal of traditional heads, including Syiems, Sordars and Lyngdohs.
According to him, the KHADC was established to safeguard and strengthen the indigenous governance system of the Khasi people. However, he alleged that the Council is now acting in a manner that threatens the very foundation of the traditional administrative structure.
Paiem Laborious Manik S. Syiem further explained that the Khasi traditional governance system is based on established principles, including the concept of ar kyrwoh, lai kyrwoh and san kyrwoh, with san kyrwoh forming the basis of the Khasi Dorbar system of governance.
The Federation urged the Governor to take note of its concerns regarding the functioning of the KHADC and the preservation of the traditional Khasi governance structure.