Shillong, October 28: Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun Secretary Glanding Lyngdoh on Wednesday revealed that the Meghalaya Government, through the Tourism Department, has already paid Rs 3 crore as lease payment for three years for the Shillong Peak View Point land at Lum Shyllong, amid mounting opposition to the proposed Shillong Ropeway Project.
Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh clarified that the entire amount remains deposited in the bank account of Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun and that the Dorbar is prepared to return the money to the State Government if the land lease agreement with the Tourism Department is cancelled. His statement came as the Joint Action Committee (JAC) Against Shillong Ropeway Project intensified its demand for the immediate cancellation of the agreement and approached the office of the Syiem of Hima Mylliem seeking the revocation of the Sanads of seven headmen under Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun.
Lyngdoh informed that a meeting of Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun held on Wednesday discussed the JAC’s demand for cancellation of the land lease agreement but failed to reach a unanimous decision. According to him, only three of the seven Rangbah Shnongs (headmen) agreed to submit a written request to the State Government seeking cancellation of the agreement. The remaining headmen were reluctant to take an immediate decision, maintaining that they had been entrusted with authority by the residents and must first consult the people before deciding on such an important matter.
Consequently, the meeting decided to convene Dorbar meetings in all seven villages under Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun to obtain the views and consent of the residents before taking further action.
However, JAC leader Anita Kharmawphlang expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to conduct additional public consultations, maintaining that the agreement should be cancelled without further delay. “Only four headmen agreed to seek cancellation of the land lease agreement, while the remaining headmen and Dorbar members did not agree, as they wanted to convene village meetings to obtain the consent of the residents,” Kharmawphlang said. She criticised the reluctance of the remaining headmen to support the immediate cancellation of the agreement and maintained that further public consultations were unnecessary.
Meanwhile, the JAC also approached the office of the Syiem of Hima Mylliem on Wednesday, demanding the immediate revocation of the Sanads of all seven headmen for allegedly signing the land lease agreement with the Tourism Department without consulting the residents.
Speaking to reporters, JAC President Deborah Marbaniang alleged that the headmen had acted without the knowledge and consent of the people of Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun. The seven Dorbar Shnongs under Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun are Laban, Madan Laban, Kenches Trace Oxford Rilbong, Lum Shat Sngi, Lower Lumparing, Kynjat Phutbol and Lumparing Lumsohphoh.
Marbaniang claimed that the Sanads issued by the Syiem of Hima Mylliem clearly prohibit the headmen from interfering in land matters and maintained that the Shillong Peak View Point belongs to the residents of Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun. She asserted that the Sanads empower the headmen only to act as custodians and protectors of the land and do not authorise them to auction, sell, purchase or lease it.
According to Marbaniang, JAC leaders also met Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun President Ïosterson Sun and Secretary Glanding Lyngdoh, who reportedly assured them that the land lease agreement signed with the Tourism Department would be withdrawn. She further claimed that the two office-bearers had promised to provide written confirmation of the withdrawal of the agreement.
However, the JAC maintained that it would not accept any further delay and would continue pressing for the cancellation of the land lease agreement and the proposed Shillong Ropeway Project. Marbaniang reiterated that the committee would continue its protest until it receives written confirmation from Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun that the agreement with the State Government has been formally withdrawn.
The developments have left the future of the land lease agreement uncertain, with Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun seeking a collective decision from residents of the seven villages, while the JAC continues to demand its immediate cancellation and action against the headmen involved.
