Meghalaya: Residents of Askikandi express outrage over headman’s termination

TURA

Residents of Askikandi, under Phulbari Police Station in West Garo Hills (WGH), have expressed outrage following the dismissal of the Gaonbura (village headman).

Most of the residents of Askikandi were against replacing the village headman as there had been no complaints against him.

According to the residents, the headman performed his duties to their satisfaction.

“The grounds for his termination are baseless. Neither is there a complaint against him nor is he in ill health as stated. The basis for relieving him of his duty is illegitimate,” said the villagers.

Earlier on September 22, the Executive Member of the GHADC in-charge of revenue had, through an order, relieved the village headman of his duties and announced a temporary replacement in his place for three months from issuance of the order.

The grounds of his dismissal were apparently because of various complaints and ill health - something the villagers and the now-former headman have vehemently denied.

They also stated that the various insinuations made by the GHADC were fake and baseless.