Shillong, August 7: A delegation of the Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong ka Bri u Hynñiewtrep with the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur Ka Bri U Hynñiewtrep on Friday met Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of District Council Affairs Prestone Tynsong, urging the State Government to intervene over the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Regulation and Administration of Land) Amendment Bill, 2026 and the related notification fixing the ceiling on Raid land.
During the meeting, the delegation submitted a memorandum expressing strong opposition to the amendment passed by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) during its June 2026 session.
According to the memorandum, the Amendment Bill removes the provision under Section 16 of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Regulation and Administration of Land) 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 argued that the amendment weakens the authority of traditional institutions, which have historically served as custodians of indigenous governance and customary land administration.
The representatives also informed the Chief Minister that a joint meeting of traditional institutions held in Shillong on July 7, 2026, had unanimously resolved to oppose the Amendment Bill.
In the memorandum, the Synjuk maintained that the legislation is contrary to the spirit of the Principal Act and the Khasi customary land tenure system. They further contended that it undermines democratic checks and balances as well as the principle of cooperative governance by removing the mandatory consultation process with traditional institutions.
The delegation also objected to KHADC Order No. DCRBF/13/465/2026/14/161 dated June 11, 2026, stating that the notification fixing the ceiling on raid land was issued without following the consultation procedure prescribed under Section 16 of the Act. They described the notification as arbitrary and warned that it could create confusion at the grassroots level.
Responding to the concerns, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma reiterated the State Government’s commitment to safeguarding Meghalaya’s traditional institutions, customary governance, indigenous land rights and the State’s unique matrilineal heritage.
The delegation expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting and appreciated the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister for the positive and constructive discussion on the issue.
