Shillong: The advisor to the Synjuk ki Khlieh Nongsynshar Hima Sohra, Paiem Laborious Manik S. Syiem, has launched a scathing attack on Voice of the People Party (VPP) president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, accusing him of attempting to inject party politics into the sacred traditional systems of the Khasi people.
The rift follows a street meeting held by Basaiawmoit at Mawlai on May 7, where the VPP leader allegedly framed the ongoing leadership dispute in Hima Sohra as a political maneuver involving the NPP.
The Five Pillars of Tradition
In a press briefing, Syiem emphasized that the struggle within Hima Sohra is strictly about protecting the five-tier Dorbar system, which he identified as:
- Dorbar Iing
- Dorbar Kur
- Dorbar Shnong
- Dorbar Raid
- Dorbar Hima
”These are grassroots democratic systems that have survived centuries,” Syiem stated. “We will not allow party politics to creep in and destroy these sacred pillars. If our customs die, our very existence is called into question.”
Dispute with KHADC
The tension centers on the election of the Syiem (traditional chief) of Hima Sohra. On May 7, 2026, supporters of the traditional process marched to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to demand a certificate of confirmation for their elected leader, alleging that the Council has perpetrated an “injustice” against the customary essence of the Hima.
Syiem criticized Basaiawmoit for branding these protesters as “NPP sympathizers” during his Mawlai speech.
”It is a pathetic state of affairs that you chose to frame this as a party issue. These innocent people are bound by a love for time-tested traditions, not political affiliations,” Syiem countered.
“Stay in the Assembly”
Syiem, a descendant of the Kur Syiem, further questioned Basaiawmoit’s jurisdiction in the matter. Highlighting that the VPP leader is an MLA and not an MDC, Syiem asked, “Your role is in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. Why interfere here?”
The advisor also categorically denied being a member of the NPP, challenging Basaiawmoit to correct his statements. He concluded with a stern warning in Khasi: “Ha ka hok ka shi kyntien, ka jingiler bad ka jingthok kan sa bishar bad kyrtoh kylla” (In the word of truth, deceit and lies will eventually be judged and backfire).
The Synjuk has vowed to remain resolute in resisting any authority—political or administrative—that seeks to replace or undermine the traditional customs of the Hima Sohra.