Shillong, Dec 5: A landmark and long-awaited land agreement between the Government of Meghalaya and the Elaka Saitsohpen was formally signed today, ending a 45-year dispute dating back to 1982.
Through this agreement, 128 acres of government land have been officially returned to the Elaka Saitsohpen, bringing long-term relief and clarity to the people of the area.
For decades, villagers were unable to register land, build homes, or access housing and education loans. Many construction efforts were halted, and residents received repeated show-cause notices.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong in his address traced the root of the land issue to the early 1820s, when land in this region was handed to the British administration. He mentioned a current parallel case in Tura where 200 acres still remain under government ownership, requiring residents to operate on lease agreements and pay premiums to the government.
He emphasised that Saitsohpen stands in contrast, as the government has given back the entire 128 acres back to the Elaka, not as lease land but as complete ownership. He described Saitsohpen as the “brain of the subdivision” due to many government offices present in this area and praised the dedicated efforts of the Dorbar, the Elaka leadership, and the people who persisted for decades.
GAD Minister Sosthenes Sohtun described the agreement as a crucial milestone, especially for Saitsohpen—one of the significant tourism hotspot area—and noted that resolving the land dispute will open doors to faster development and better opportunities for the local population.
Sohra MLA Gavin M. Mylliem stated that the resolution of this long-standing dispute was possible due to the teamwork between the MDA Government and the Elaka Saitsohpen.
Shella MLA Balajied Kupar Synrem highlighted that numerous development projects in Saitsohpen remained stuck for decades due to unclear land ownership. Now that the agreement has been finalised and ownership restored, the government will be able to proceed with long-delayed initiatives, he said.
He announced that a major Rs 114 crore project will now be implemented in the Elaka, unlocking developmental opportunities that were previously impossible due to the dispute.
