Shillong, Aug 7 :A delegation of Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong met Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of District Council Affairs Prestone Tynsong on Thursday, urging the government to intervene on the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council’s “Land Regulation and Administration Amendment Bill, 2026”.
In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, the traditional heads said KHADC passed the Bill in its June 2026 session. The amendment deletes the provision in Section 16 of the Principal Act of 2021 that required the Executive Committee to consult Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima before fixing any ceiling on settlement, allotment or setting apart of raid land.
The delegation expressed concern that the change dilutes the role of traditional institutions that have for generations functioned as custodians of indigenous administration.
They said a joint meeting of traditional institutions held in Shillong on July 7, 2026 unanimously resolved to oppose the Bill. According to the delegation, the amendment goes against the spirit of the Principal Act and the Khasi customary land tenure system. It also undermines the principle of cooperative federalism and democratic checks and balances. The Bill, they added, was passed without prior consultation with Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima.
The delegation also referred to KHADC Order No. DCRBF/13/465/2026/14/161 dated June 11, 2026, which fixed a ceiling on raid land without following the consultation process laid down in Section 16. They described the notification as arbitrary and said it may lead to confusion at the grassroots level.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to protect traditional institutions, customary governance, indigenous land rights, and the unique matrilineal heritage of Meghalaya.
The delegation expressed appreciation for the positive discussion.
