Amendment seeks to undermine traditional chiefs’ authority over land
Shillong, Aug 7: Traditional chiefs of Khasi-Jaintia Hills have sought the state government’s intervention in reviewing an amendment to the KHADC’s land administration law that would undermine the formers’ authority over land matters.
The headmen representing Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep and 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 on Friday to express their concern over the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Regulation and Administration of Land) Amendment Bill, 2026 and a related notification on land ceiling.
They submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, stating that the Amendment Bill passed by the KHADC has removed the mandatory requirement for the Executive Committee (EC) to consult Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima before fixing a ceiling on settlement, allotment or setting apart of raid land under Section 16 of the Principal Act, 2021.
The amendment dilutes the role of traditional institutions that have served for generations as custodians of indigenous administration and customary land management, the Synjuk said.
Referring to a joint meeting of traditional institutions held in Shillong on July 7, 2026, the delegation said it was unanimously resolved to oppose the Bill.
The Synjuk argued that the amendment tabled in KHADC’s June 2026 session goes against the spirit of the Principal Act and the Khasi customary land tenure system, undermines the principle of cooperative federalism and democratic checks, and was passed without prior consultation with traditional bodies.
It also flagged KHADC notification dated June 11, 2026, which fixed a ceiling on raid land.
It said the order was issued without following the consultation process laid down in Section 16 and termed the notification “arbitrary” and likely to cause confusion at the grassroots level.
The Chief Minister, in response, reiterated the government’s commitment to protect traditional institutions, customary governance, indigenous land rights and Meghalaya’s unique matrilineal heritage.
The delegation welcomed the discussion and expressed appreciation for the Chief Minister’s assurance.
