Shillong, Jul 7: The Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong ka Bri u Hynñiewtrep (SNSBH) and the Synjuk ki Rangbah Kur ka Bri u Hynñiewtrep (SRKBH) have decided to demand that the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) recall the Regulation and Administration of Land Amendment 2026, which has already been sent to the Governor for approval.
The two organisations took this decision during a meeting held on Tuesday in Shillong.
Delegates at the meeting unanimously resolved to strongly oppose the amendment and demanded that the notification be withdrawn and that the bill be recalled from the Governor.
Critics have argued that the amendment puts too much power on decisions about land into the hands of the KHADC while taking it away from traditional institutions like the Dorbar Shnong, Raid and Hima.
Written communications will also be sent to all villages and traditional Himas seeking their cooperation with the two Synjuks.
SRKBH spokesperson RL Blah informed that the two organisations would also submit a written resolution to the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the KHADC regarding the decision taken during the meeting.
Explaining the main reason for opposing the Bill, Blah said, “The synjuk strongly objects because the Executive Committee of the KHADC has removed Clause 16 and deleted the words ‘after consultation with the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid, and Dorbar Hima’ from the new amendment bill.”
“The synjuk is not against the district council’s efforts to protect land and we stand with the district council in safeguarding it. However, saying that there is no longer any need to consult the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima is something we cannot accept,” he stated.
Blah further added, “Under this Bill, our role will no longer be recognised and the district council alone will oversee and administer all matters relating to land. We strongly oppose this.”
“For now, we will wait and see what developments take place in the coming days and what response we receive from their (KHADC) side,” Blah concluded.
