Shillong, Jul 4: The confederation of clan elders has stated that the KHAD (Regulation and Administration of Land) Amendment Bill, 2026 could undermine the traditional authority and jurisdiction of indigenous self-governance institutions.
This came up during a meeting convened by the Synjuk ki Rangbah Kur ka Bri u Hynñiewtrep in Mawkyrwat on Saturday to discuss the implications of the bill and preservation and protection of the Khasi matrilineal clan system.
According to the synjuk, certain provisions of the proposed amendment seek to curtail the traditional authority and jurisdiction of the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raij and Dorbar Hima, the indigenous institutions that have historically governed land ownership and community affairs aligned with Khasi customary law recognised under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Acknowledging the need for modernisation and administrative efficiency, the assembly of clan leaders said that reforms should not come at the cost of eroding the power and autonomy of these traditional bodies.
Speakers underscored the necessity of preserving the customary legal framework and unanimously agreed to support the efforts of both the Synjuk ki Rangbah Kur and the Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong in defending matrilineal clan rights and the constitutional authority of traditional institutions.
The synjuk in a statement said that any legislative amendment or administrative intervention that undermines the established customary legal framework, weakens the authority of the Dorbars, or dilutes the constitutional protections guaranteed under the Sixth Schedule would be opposed.
The meeting also resolved that the existing legal framework governing customary land administration must be preserved unless any proposed reforms are developed through broad-based consultation and consensus with the recognised traditional institutions and custodians of Khasi customary law.
The synjuk informed that a joint convention featuring clan elders and institutional heads is scheduled for July 7 in Shillong, which aims to facilitate a collaborative strategy to uphold the integrity of Khasi matrilineal traditions and resist any measures that threaten the established indigenous legal frameworks.
