Shillong, March 29, 2026: A major controversy broke out during the fourth Dorbar Bah (general clan meeting) of the Mylliemngap clan, held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Lum Pomblang in Smit, East Khasi Hills. Several members from villages including Laitlyngkot, Umthli, Puriang, Nongkynrih, Laitkyrhong, Rymphlang, and Rasong claimed they were denied entry despite the meeting being described as open to the entire clan.
Elders from Smit, Nongkrem, and Iewpomtiah allegedly refused to recognize these individuals as part of the Mylliemngap clan (also referred to as Dorbar Kur). The aggrieved members said they were turned away at the gate without clear initial explanations. Upon questioning, they were reportedly informed that people from villages such as Nongkynrih, Umthli, Puriang, Rasong, Iew Shyllong, and others would not be permitted to attend.
Aggrieved Members Speak Out
The affected members expressed shock, disappointment, and deep concern over issues of clan identity, lineage, and unity.
One member asserted, “We know our roots and our lineage. We can trace our ancestry through our great-grandmothers, grandmothers, and mothers who carried the Mylliemngap surname. They cannot decide who we are or where we come from.”
Mebansara Mylliemngap (also referred to as Ibansara in some reports) described the incident as a “depressing turn,” noting that the group arrived with an open mind only to face closed gates and no proper explanations. She alleged that participation was effectively restricted to members from Smit, Nongkrem, and Iewpomtiah alone.
Wandahun Mylliemngap called the exclusion deeply painful, particularly for future generations: “It is hurtful to think that our children may grow up being told they do not belong to the clan.” She referenced earlier interactions where elders had reportedly acknowledged their lineage and questioned what might be “hidden” by avoiding open discussion.
A male member from Puriang emphasized, “We came to stand for our rights. If they claim we are not Mylliemngap, they should provide proof.”
The group stressed that no single section or individuals hold unilateral authority to determine clan membership. They expressed willingness to present proof of their lineage and called for transparency, the involvement of senior elders, and an inclusive process to resolve the matter. They warned that the dispute could divide the community and harm long-term clan unity.
Significance in Khasi Matrilineal Society
In Khasi society, which follows a matrilineal system, clan (kur) identity is fundamental to social structure, inheritance, marriage customs, and traditional governance. Lineage is traced through the maternal line, with surnames passed from mother to children. Dorbar Bah meetings serve as important platforms for clan-wide discussions, decision-making, and addressing internal issues.
Disputes over membership often raise deeper questions about ancestry, belonging, and the authority of traditional institutions. At this stage, the incident remains an internal clan matter centered on recognition and inclusion, with no detailed public response or counter-statement from the organizing elders reported in available coverage.
The controversy has drawn local media attention, including reports from The Shillong Times and video coverage highlighting the grievances of the excluded members. Further developments, such as responses from clan leaders or additional meetings, may provide more clarity on the issue.
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