The ensuing special session of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) of Meghalaya is going to be a tumultuous one as the Khasi Social Custom of Lineage (Amendment) Bill, 2018 and a resolution for implementing Inner Line Permit (ILP) system would be tabled during the session.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) chaired by the Council’s chief executive member, Hispreaching Son Shylla on Monday in Shillong.
The Executive Committee has proposed to table the Khasi Social Custom of Lineage (Amendment) Bill, 2018, Subordinate Council of Traditional Chiefs and Headmen Bill, 2018, Town Committee Rules for implementing the building bye-laws, and an official resolution on implementation of the ILP.
He said that the Khasi Social Custom of Lineage Bill to be re-introduced in the two-day special session has clearly defined the custom of marriage which is based on the principle of ‘Tip Kur-Tip Kha’ – to regard the matrilineal relationship and also the paternal relations.
With regards to the unique customary practice of ‘Ringbia’ or ‘Shaw Bhoi’ by certain clans in Ri Bhoi district where a male can marry a woman from other communities to preserve the clan, Shylla informed that a provision has been incorporated in the Bill, to allow the practice to continue by the indigenous Khasi clans in the district.
He also said that the Council would implement the ILP through the Village and Town Police Bill, 1991, where it would have its own manpower dedicated for checking influx and illegal immigration within its jurisdiction.
Notably, the Village and Town Police Bill, 1991 is pending with the state government till date.
Shylla informed that the meeting has decided to immediately write to the Chairman of the KHADC to convene the special session on October 25-26.