By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: A dispute over the newly introduced Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Service Rules, 2026 led opposition members to leave the House on Friday after they were not allowed to debate amendments proposed to the rules.
The disagreement unfolded during the closing day of the Summer Session when Leader of the Opposition Titostarwell Chyne sought to explain changes he wanted incorporated into the draft regulations.
Chairman Strong Pillar Kharjana declined the request, saying the proposed amendments had already been submitted in written form and were officially recorded. In his view, there was no need for a separate discussion in the House.
Chyne objected to the decision, arguing that members should have the opportunity to examine and debate matters brought before the Council.
He said the draft rules contained several issues that deserved attention and maintained that the interests of KHADC employees had not been adequately addressed in the document.
The Opposition leader also questioned the Executive Committee’s reluctance to permit discussion despite having sufficient numbers to defend its position in the House.
According to Chyne, amendments accepted by the Chair for consideration should not later be denied debate. He said the Opposition was willing to continue discussions for as long as required.
He further raised concerns about provisions relating to the office of the Chairman, stating that the draft rules did not clearly spell out the scope of the position’s authority and responsibilities.
Defending his decision, Kharjana said he had assessed the matter and found no justification for taking it up for debate. He added that discussions lacking substance would not be entertained by the Chair.
With most members backing the Chair’s decision, the proposal to take up the amendment for debate did not proceed any further.
The Opposition then withdrew from the sitting in protest, while the Council continued with the rest of its scheduled business.