SHILLONG : Seng Khasi Kmie Vice President PD Nongrum on Tuesday raised concerns over the ongoing leadership dispute in Hima Sohra, questioning the suspension of Syiem Marremdor and the appointment of an acting chief belonging to a different religious faith.
Speaking on the issue, Nongrum alleged that Syiem Marremdor, who follows and practices the indigenous Khasi faith, had already completed the customary rites and rituals required under tradition and was due to be formally confirmed as the full Syiem of Hima Sohra.
According to Nongrum, a Hima Dorbar had been convened for the purpose of confirming Marremdor as the permanent Syiem. However, the process reportedly encountered obstacles, leading to the suspension of his status.
“In Hima Sohra, Syiem Marremdor, who had already performed the rites and rituals connected with the cremation, had a Hima Dorbar convened to confirm him as the full Syiem of the Hima. But for some reason or another, that too ran into trouble and his status as Syiem was suspended,” Nongrum said.
He further alleged that instead of confirming Marremdor, an acting chief was appointed from a different religious background.
“Instead, an acting chief of Hima Sohra was appointed who belongs to another religious faith. Remdor is one who holds and practices our indigenous faith,” he stated.
Nongrum raised the matter while criticising what he described as a lack of institutional support for followers of Niam Khasi. He argued that the development in Hima Sohra reflects a broader concern regarding the treatment and representation of practitioners of the indigenous Khasi faith.
The remarks are likely to add to the ongoing debate surrounding traditional governance, customary practices and the role of indigenous faith within Meghalaya’s traditional institutions.