Shillong: Traditional leaders in Ri-Bhoi are fighting back. They claim a proposed land bill from the VPP-led Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council aims to gut the power of the Rangbah Shnong. These village heads say the council wants to strip them of their control over land administration and local governance.
The Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong Ri-Bhoi District made its stance clear at a meeting in Lumdaitkhla. Leadership warned that the move would destroy traditional duties and complicate land documentation for tribal families. Synjuk Chairman B.B. Makdoh and Secretary P.B. Sylliang argued that the legislation threatens the core of customary systems. They claimed the bill effectively seeks to “disarm” the Rangbah Shnong by gutting their oversight.
The council's move has sparked fears of a shift in local power dynamics. Officials argue this will weaken grassroots institutions across the region. To build a united front, the group formed the Ri-Bhoi Mihngi unit to cover villages from Umiam to Block II. Makdoh swore in the new leadership committee to anchor their resistance against the council’s push.
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