SHILLONG : Former UDP MLA candidate and Independent MDC candidate Dr OS Jyrwa has accused the Voice of the People Party (VPP)-led Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) of weakening Meghalaya’s traditional institutions through its land-related laws.
Speaking at a campaign meeting in support of NPP MP candidate Dr DRL Nonglait at Mawryngkneng on Friday, Jyrwa alleged that the Land Bill and Land Ceiling Act undermine the roles of the Rangbah Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima.
According to Jyrwa, a provision requiring consultation with village heads has been removed from the legislation.
He questioned how the VPP could claim that traditional institutions were not being weakened after the removal of the provision.
“How can you say you are not disempowering when you have removed Clause 16?” he asked.
Jyrwa said the existing traditional system in Mawryngkneng does not allow land to be sold to outsiders and argued that land ownership and governance are closely linked to the village, Raid and Hima institutions.
“In Mawryngkneng, selling land to outsiders is not allowed. That is our governance. Land belongs to the village, Raid and Hima, but they will usurp this ownership,” he alleged.
Jyrwa attacks VPP over toll gates
Jyrwa also criticised the VPP over its earlier promise regarding toll gates, alleging that the number of gates has increased after the party came to power.
“They said there will be no more gates if we come to power. Now the gates have increased. Those we elected have become collectors at the gates,” he said.
He said the ongoing MP election provides voters with an opportunity to assess the performance of the KHADC and those currently in power.
Jyrwa also dismissed allegations that people were being paid to attend NPP campaign meetings.
“People came because they love Dr Nonglait,” he said.
Pyniaid Sing Syiem backs Nonglait
Former KHADC Chief Executive Member Pyniaid Sing Syiem said Meghalaya needs a Member of Parliament who can effectively raise issues concerning the Sixth Schedule and Autonomous District Councils in Parliament.
“The fate of our tribe on the Sixth Schedule and District Councils rests in Delhi. We must not elect someone to sit in a corner in Parliament. Dr Nonglait is the best to go to Parliament,” Syiem said.
He also referred to the proposed 125th Constitutional Amendment, saying the matter is currently with the Union Home Ministry.
Syiem credited Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar with securing approval for several KHADC laws.
The remarks came during campaigning for the MP election, with political parties and candidates intensifying their outreach to voters across Meghalaya.