Shillong: Leaders from Hima Sohra have petitioned Governor CH Vijayashankar to block the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council from interfering in the selection of their new Syiem. A delegation of 50 elders and traditional heads met with the Governor on Monday to contest the Council's insistence on holding an election, arguing that the practice violates centuries of Khasi tradition.
The Hima claims it followed protocol after the death of Freeman Sing Syiem on October 31, 2025. According to the delegation, the Dorbar Hima unanimously selected former Deputy Syiem Marremdor Syiem as the successor just days later, fulfilling a requirement to name a new chief before the late leader's cremation. The conflict intensified when a rival candidate, Planet Syiem, challenged the appointment, leading the KHADC to appoint an Acting Chief to oversee an electoral process.
Laborious Manik S Syiem, an adviser to the body of traditional heads, challenged the Council’s authority by referencing a 1903 colonial-era report. He argued that British officials historically respected the autonomy of the Hima in selecting their own leaders. Questioning the modern Council's motives, Manik said, "If the ‘original sahibs’ during the British era respected our customs, why are the ‘duplicate sahibs’ of today trying to overturn them?"
The delegation further argued that Planet Syiem fails to meet basic customary requirements, as he has not resided in the area for generations. They warned that forcing an election could set a dangerous precedent for other regions across the Khasi Hills. The group is now calling on the Governor to intervene and grant the official sanad to Marremdor Syiem. The Governor has requested additional details on the historical evidence and promised to review the case.
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