Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Suspends Syiem of Hima Mylliem, Appoints Acting Syiem.

Shillong; May 2026: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) led Executive Committee of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has suspended Ainam Manik Syiem from the post of ‘Syiem’ of Hima Mylliem and appointed Alban Fedrick Syiem as the Acting ‘Syiem’ to oversee the administration of the Hima until further orders.

The decision was officially announced through a notification issued by the Secretary to the Executive Committee of the KHADC yesterday late evening (Friday – 22nd May 2026). According to the notification, the action was taken under the powers conferred by Section 7 of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnong of Syiemship) Act, 2007.

“It is hereby notified to the whole of Hima Mylliem that the Executive Committee, Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, by an order dated 22.5.2026, has suspended U Ainam Manik Syiem as the Syiem of Hima Mylliem”, the notification stated. No reason has been cited for the cause of the removal.

The order further said that Alban Fedrick Syiem has been appointed as the Acting Syiem of Hima Mylliem to manage the administration of the traditional institution during the suspension period. Officials stated that the order came into effect immediately and would remain in force until further instructions are issued by the Executive Committee.

The suspension of the Syiem has triggered widespread discussion in political and traditional circles, particularly because the notification did not specify the reasons behind the action taken by the KHADC Executive Committee.

Although no reason has been cited in the notice, but internal sources have revealed that findings related to alleged financial non-compliance involving market revenue dues, is the cause of such unprecedented removal. Sources familiar with the matter said the action followed an inquiry linked to pending financial obligations owed to the District Council under existing market regulation laws.

The issue reportedly centres around the alleged failure to remit the mandatory 10 per cent market share from gross market income to the KHADC for multiple financial years. Apart from the pending market share dues, reports also pointed to non-payment of an additional 1/8 share payable under provisions related to market administration and regulation.

Council documents indicate that multiple show-cause notices and hearings had earlier been issued regarding the alleged non-payment of market revenue shares and pending financial dues. The internal sources stated that the Council proceeded with action after the dues and compliance requirements were allegedly not resolved despite earlier notices, hearings and assurances.

The development is being viewed as significant given the important role played by the Syiem in the administration and customary governance of Hima Mylliem, one of the prominent traditional Khasi institutions in Meghalaya.

Hima Mylliem falls under the jurisdiction of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, which functions under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and oversees traditional governance systems and customary institutions in the Khasi Hills region.

The KHADC Executive Committee, currently led by the Voice of the People Party, has not yet issued any detailed clarification regarding the circumstances leading to the suspension.

Meanwhile, Alban Fedrick Syiem is expected to assume charge as Acting Syiem with immediate effect to ensure continuity in the administration and functioning of the Hima.

Team Maverick.