Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Traditional heads from across the Khasi Hills pushed back against new land laws on August 7. A delegation of the Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep and the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep met with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong. The group delivered a formal memorandum demanding the state government block the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Regulation and Administration of Land) Amendment Bill, 2026.
Passed in June, the bill targets Section 16 of the Principal Act, 2021. It removes the requirement for the Executive Committee to consult with the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid, and Dorbar Hima before setting land ceilings. Traditional leaders fear the change guts their role as custodians of indigenous administration. The group also challenged KHADC Order No. DCRBF/13/465/2026/14/161, issued June 11, which set a ceiling on raid land without the legally mandated consultation process.
The move follows a July 7 meeting in Shillong where traditional institutions unanimously voted to oppose the bill. Delegates argued the amendment defies the spirit of the original act and undermines democratic checks. SNSBH secretary R. L. Blah led the presentation to the officials. The delegation asked the government to block the bill at the Governor's level.
Chief Minister Sangma promised to review the grievances. The administration remains under pressure to uphold Sixth Schedule protections. “We had a constructive interaction and assured the delegations that their views and concerns would be given due consideration,” Sangma stated. The Chief Minister maintained the state’s commitment to preserving indigenous land rights and the unique matrilineal heritage of Meghalaya.
Comments