Nongstoiñ (Meghalaya),June 19: In yet another case of ostracism, a family from Ksehkohlong village under Myraw Syiemship of West Khasi Hills has faced social boycott and deprived of all government benefits for the last 13 years.
Barnabas Nongsiej, his wife Angelina Lyngkhoi and children have been ostracised by the Dorbar Shnong ( local traditional body) of the village since April 11, 2007.
The ostracisation order was signed by village headman I Lyngdoh with copies sent to Acting Syiem of Hima Myraw, Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills District, Superintendent of Police, Block Development Officer of Mawthadraishan C&RD Block among others.
The family was denied all social security schemes such as ration, MGNREGS, health and nutrition benefits under Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and even works in the village.
The Dorbar Shnong also directed all residents of the village not to visit the family including having any working relationship with any of its members.
Speaking to this reporter, Barnabas Nongsiej said that he had twice written to the headman seeking revocation of the ostracism order but his pleas went unheard.
“13 years have passed since my family has been ostracised by the village. Twice I have written to the headman offering my apology if I had done anything wrong. I have also told him that my family wanted to be part of the society again but till date my request has not been considered,” Nongsiej said.
He also said that during the Covid-19 lockdown, his family was deprived of any assistance from the authorities.
“I don’t know what to do. My whole family has been outcast by the village. My only trust is in God because he knows what is best for my family,” Nongsiej said, adding that government authorities should intervene to end this social boycott against his family.
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