Non-converts to perform Ka Leh Niam Raid Mylliem rituals, says High Court

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 21: Having earlier stayed the event, the High Court of Meghalaya on Thursday suggested that only members of the ‘5 Kur 11 Kur of Hima Mylliem’ who have not converted to Christianity or other faiths should perform the traditional rituals of Ka Leh Niam Raid Mylliem.

Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew, presiding over a miscellaneous application regarding the annual Khasi ceremony, noted that the issue involves the sentiments and sensitivities of Niam Khasi followers.

The application sought to suspend the rituals, originally scheduled for May 19, on the grounds that the Myntris of the 5 Kur 11 Kur responsible for the event belong to the Christian faith and are therefore ineligible to conduct Niam Khasi ceremonies. The court had stayed the ceremony on May 18 due to the sensitive nature of the dispute.

During the hearing, the court noted that while the 5 Kur 11 Kur holds the customary responsibility for the rituals, followers of the indigenous faith argued that participation by converts would diminish the sanctity of the traditions.

A similar situation occurred in 2025, where non-convert members were nominated to perform the rituals following court intervention. The court observed that the applicants do not object to the presence of the Myntris during the ceremonies, provided the actual rituals are conducted by those professing the Niam Khasi faith.

To ensure the rituals proceed peacefully and within the current month, the court directed advocate RK Synrem to ensure that non-convert members of the 5 Kur 11 Kur are nominated in consultation with the Lyngdoh Raid Mylliem. The matter has been listed for further hearing on May 22.

The dispute follows a petition by Kyrshon Marbaniang and another, represented by advocate N. Syngkon, who argued that Ka Leh Niam Raid Mylliem is intrinsically linked to the Niam Khasi religion and should only be conducted by its followers.

The case is also linked to a pending writ petition concerning clan participation in the rituals.