CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG: Concern over the future of Meghalaya's traditional land governance took centre stage after a joint delegation of the Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep and the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep met Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister in charge of District Council Affairs Prestone Tynsong, urging the State Government to safeguard the role of customary institutions in decisions relating to indigenous land.
The delegation submitted a memorandum seeking intervention over the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Regulation and Administration of Land) Amendment Bill, 2026, as well as the notification on the fixation of the land ceiling, contending that the recent legislative changes weaken the authority of traditional institutions that have historically served as custodians of Khasi customary land.
According to the memorandum, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), during its June 2026 session, passed the Amendment Bill, 2026, deleting the provision under Section 16 of the Principal Act, 2021, which required the Executive Committee to consult the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima before fixing a ceiling on the settlement, allotment or setting apart of raid land.
The delegation maintained that the amendment dilutes the role of traditional institutions that have, for generations, played a central role in indigenous administration and customary land management.
It informed the Chief Minister that a joint meeting of traditional institutions was held in Shillong on July 7, 2026, where representatives of the Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep and the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep, along with other customary bodies, unanimously resolved to oppose the Amendment Bill.
The memorandum further stated that the Bill runs contrary to the spirit of the Principal Act and the Khasi customary land tenure system, undermines the principles of cooperative federalism and democratic checks and balances, and was passed without prior consultation with the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima.
The delegation also drew attention to KHADC Order No. DCRBF/13/465/2026/14/161 dated June 11, 2026, which fixed a ceiling on raid land, alleging that the consultation process prescribed under Section 16 of the Principal Act had not been followed. It argued that the notification was arbitrary and could create confusion at the grassroots level.
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