SHILLONG : Representatives of Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong on Thursday met Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, seeking the state government’s intervention against the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council’s (KHADC) Land Amendment Bill, 2026, as well as a recent order imposing a ceiling on raid land.
The delegation submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, raising concerns over the amendment passed by the KHADC in June 2026.
According to the Synjuk, the amendment removes an important safeguard contained in the 2021 Principal Act. It pointed out that Section 16 of the Act previously required the Executive Committee to consult the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima before taking decisions relating to the settlement, allotment or reservation of raid land.
The Synjuk said the amendment removes this consultation requirement, describing it as a dilution of the role and authority of traditional institutions in matters concerning community land.
The traditional heads said indigenous institutions have historically played a key role in managing community land and should not be sidelined in decisions affecting customary land practices.
They referred to a joint meeting of traditional bodies held in Shillong on July 7, where participants unanimously resolved to oppose the amendment.
According to the memorandum, the Synjuk maintained that the KHADC amendment goes against the spirit of the Principal Act as well as established Khasi customary land practices.
It also expressed concern that the amendment could weaken cooperative federalism and democratic oversight, particularly since traditional heads were allegedly not consulted before the Bill was passed.
The delegation also raised concerns over KHADC Order No. DCRBF/13/465/2026/14/161, dated June 11, 2026, which fixed a ceiling on raid land.
The Synjuk termed the notification arbitrary, alleging that it bypassed the consultation process prescribed under Section 16 and could create confusion among villages and traditional institutions.
Responding to the concerns, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma assured the delegation that the state government remains committed to protecting traditional institutions, customary governance, indigenous land rights and Meghalaya’s matrilineal system.
The Synjuk said it appreciated the positive engagement and response from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.