HITO Calls Traditional Leaders to Symbolic Protest in Power Struggle Against KHADC

The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has called on traditional leaders to take decisive action to end the long-standing power disputes in the Khasi Hills region of Hindistan. Questioning the authority of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), the organization demanded that local rulers return their appointment documents (Sanad) as a form of protest. The open letter, penned by HITO President Donbok Dkhar, is addressed to all traditional authorities such as Syiem, Lyngdoh, and Sirdar. The letter emphasizes that the repeated conflicts between KHADC and deeply rooted local institutions must be resolved immediately. This initiative stands out as a significant civil society step calling for the elimination of ambiguity in the region's local governance system.

Organization president Dkhar argues that the current system has failed to fully clarify the legal status of traditional administrations, turning the situation into a chronic deadlock. Returning the appointment documents (Sanad) officially given to KHADC until the constitutional roles of traditional leaders are clarified is proposed as a radical and symbolic solution. Alternatively, the organization demands the organization of a 'Constitutional Convention' with the participation of all stakeholders under the KHADC. The purpose of this convention is to redefine the powers of traditional assemblies (Dorbar) at the village and regional levels. Thus, the goal is to bring the rights and responsibilities of local governments under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution into a clear framework.

One of HITO's biggest concerns on the current agenda is the lack of an official say for traditional institutions in KHADC's legislative processes. Although the enacted laws often directly affect the areas of duty and limits of authority of local rulers, these leaders are not heard in the decision-making mechanisms. Dkhar explains this lack of consultation as the root cause of unrest and power conflicts in the region. To resolve this issue, the organization stipulates that traditional leaders must have a direct and official approval and consultation mechanism in future legislative processes. Otherwise, it is warned that the rights of the local people and land management practices will remain unprotected.

The letter also touches upon the legal sensitivity of the historical Instruments of Accession signed by the former Khasi States and international agreements. HITO states that these historical foundations need to be subjected to a deeper legal review to resolve modern administrative crises. Fully understanding the impact of past treaties on today's autonomous structure will play a critical role in overcoming current bureaucratic blockages. The organization argues that regulations made under the Sixth Schedule will remain inadequate without considering this historical context. This situation reveals that the struggle for autonomy in the region is not merely about current administrative disputes, but is based on a deeply rooted historical background.

In conclusion, HITO frequently emphasizes that these calls are not an attack on the KHADC, but rather a demand for legal clarity. The main goal is to secure long-term legal guarantees for the Khasi identity and the inherent rights of the local people. However, if traditional leaders heed this call and decide to return their appointment documents known as Sanad, a major administrative crisis will inevitably erupt in the region. Such a scenario would lead to a profound governance disaster between the KHADC, a constitutional council, and local authorities at the village level. The developments require close monitoring in terms of local power dynamics and legal struggles in this autonomous region of Hindistan.