Shillong: KHADC Chairman Strong Pillar Kharjana blocked a discussion on the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Regulation and Administration of Land) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, during the Winter Session on Wednesday. He ruled that the House could not debate the bill's reported return by the Governor without formal paperwork. Media reports are not official communication, he argued.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong had already confirmed the bill returned with observations. This move sparked immediate friction in the chamber. Mairang-Nongkhlaw MDC Equator Nongrang tried to force a Before Hour Discussion on the bill, which originally passed in the Summer Session. Laban MDC Ricky Shullai pushed back against the ruling.
"It is really unfortunate that the Chairman has passed a ruling not to allow the matter to be discussed," Shullai said. Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh supported the Chairman, citing a lack of written notice.
Opposition leader Titosstarwell Chyne argued that members deserved clarity under Section 60(C) of the Council rules. He noted reports of an official dispatch dated October 8. Chyne wants to know if the Governor’s feedback mirrors previous objections from traditional heads like the Syiem, Lyngdoh, and Rangbah Shnong. These groups previously met with Governor and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to protest the bill.
The bill aims to scrub Section 16 from the main Act. This section currently forces the Executive Committee to talk with traditional bodies like the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid, and Dorbar Hima before setting land ceilings. Critics warn this erases their power over communal land. The Voice of the People Party-led Executive Committee steered the bill through despite backlash from the National People’s Party.
Comments