SHILLONG, Aug 8: Traditional institutions from the Khasi Hills have urged the Meghalaya government to intervene against the proposed amendment to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council’s (KHADC) land administration law, arguing that it could weaken the role of customary institutions in community land governance.
A delegation of the Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep (SNSBH) and Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep (SRKBH) met Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also holds the District Council Affairs portfolio, on Friday and submitted a memorandum outlining their objections.
The delegation said it approached the state government following discussions with the Governor, who advised it to raise the matter with the government.
The dispute centres on the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Regulation and Administration of Land) Amendment Bill, 2026, passed by the KHADC during its June session.
The traditional bodies particularly objected to the deletion of a provision under Section 16 of the Principal Act, 2021, which requires the KHADC 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.
They argued that removing the consultation requirement would diminish the role of traditional institutions in decisions concerning customary land.
The delegation also questioned KHADC Order No. DCRBF/13/465/2026/14/161, issued on June 11, which fixed a ceiling on raid land. It alleged that the order was issued without following the consultation process prescribed under Section 16.
SNSBH secretary and SRKBH spokesperson R. L. Blah urged the government to request the Governor not to assent to the amendment and instead return it to the KHADC for reconsideration.
The delegation also raised concerns over the constitutional status of traditional institutions, indigenous land rights and customary governance under the Sixth Schedule.
Tynsong said the original land legislation had been framed after extensive deliberations and consultations with stakeholders.
Sangma said the delegation’s concerns over the amendment Bill and the notification fixing the land ceiling had been discussed during a constructive interaction. He assured the delegation that its views would receive due consideration.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding traditional institutions, customary governance and indigenous land rights, while protecting Meghalaya’s matrilineal heritage and the interests of its people.
