Shillong: The Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council is drafting a new law to register and protect local clans. Executive Committee members accepted the push for the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District (Registration & Protection of Clans) Act, 2026. This move follows a formal request submitted by the Jaintia Students Movement on June 17.
Chief Executive Member Thombor Shiwat now oversees the plan. The law aims to secure ancestral property and formalize clan lineage. Council authority comes from the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which grants power to regulate social customs and inheritance. Local leaders want to keep community assets safe for future generations.
JSM publicity secretary Heihokmi Supuh told the council to talk with traditional heads before moving forward. He said the group appreciates the decision to protect the region. "He commended the CEM and the Executive Committee for upholding the spirit of the Sixth Schedule."
The legislation will back the authority of the Dorbar Kur. It defines the specific powers of clan elders to manage community holdings. Officials expect the bill to head to the council floor in the next session.
Comments