By Powel Sohkhlet, MDC and EM KHADC
The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has taken note of the article titled “The Rangbah Shnongs (Headmen) & the KHADC Bill” by Shri Gregory Shullai. We respect his views and acknowledge the invaluable role played by Rangbah Shnongs, Syiems, Syiem Raids, Sordars and other traditional institutions in preserving Khasi customs, resolving disputes, administering community affairs, and safeguarding our indigenous identity. However, we wish to clarify that the proposed amendment has been misunderstood. It is neither an attack on the institution of the Rangbah Shnong nor an attempt to diminish the constitutional or customary status of our traditional institutions. Such an interpretation is misplaced.
Land is far more than a factor of production. For the Khasi people, it is the foundation of our cultural existence, ethnic identity and collective future. A community that loses control over its land is already on the path towards losing its identity. Land is the very raison d’être—the reason for our existence as a distinct indigenous people. Protecting community land is therefore not merely an administrative exercise but a constitutional, cultural and moral responsibility. It is in this spirit that the proposed amendment seeks to strengthen transparency, accountability and public participation in matters relating to land transfers and land tenure. The Bill is not about abandoning the cultural heritage of the Khasi people; rather, it seeks to reaffirm one of the noblest principles of Khasi customary governance—egalitarianism. Our customary institutions derive their legitimacy from the people, and any reform intended to safeguard the collective interest of the people cannot be construed as an assault on those very institutions. Instead, it seeks to reinforce public confidence in them.
The suggestion that the Bill “derecognises” Rangbah Shnongs or Chieftains is not borne out by the contents of the amendment. The Bill neither abolishes nor weakens the traditional institutions. Unfortunately, the public has been led to believe that the deletion of the words “in consultation with the Syiem, Syiem Raid or Sordar” removes the role of traditional authorities in all matters relating to land. This is factually incorrect. The deletion is confined only to Section 16 of the KHADC Land Regulation and Administration Act, which relates to the fixation of the ceiling on land holdings. It does not remove the powers and functions of the Hima, Raid or Shnong under the rest of the Act.
In fact, the authority to administer community land, issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs), decide applications, execute agreements and perform other functions relating to land administration continues to remain with the Hima, Raid and Shnong. The role of the KHADC under the amendment is confined to regulating the ceiling on land holdings in the larger public interest. Furthermore, the KHADC Land Act, 2021 itself clearly provides that any transfer or allotment of Raid land requires the approval of the KHADC. Therefore, the suggestion that the amendment seeks to displace or derecognise the traditional institutions has no legal basis.
The real issue confronting Meghalaya today is the alarming erosion of community land. In some instances, arbitrary exercise of discretion, lack of transparency and the unchecked alienation of Ri Raid and Ri Bamlang have weakened the very socio-economic foundations envisioned by our forefathers. At a time when population pressure continues to increase and land is becoming an increasingly scarce resource, responsible land governance is indispensable if we are to preserve our identity and secure the interests of future generations. Playing upon the sentiments of tradition while remaining silent on the continuing alienation of community land is not only misleading but dangerous. Tradition must never become a shield for practices that weaken the collective rights of the Khasi people. True respect for our customary institutions lies in ensuring that they remain transparent, accountable and fully capable of protecting the land entrusted to them by our ancestors.
The VPP also disagrees with the assertion that the amendment represents a departure from Khasi customary law or is politically motivated. Khasi customary law has never been static. It has evolved over generations to meet changing social realities while preserving its core values. Reform aimed at preventing misuse, enhancing accountability and protecting the collective interest is entirely consistent with the spirit of Khasi customary governance. We also recognise the concerns expressed regarding consultation with traditional institutions. The VPP remains open to constructive dialogue with Rangbah Shnongs, Syiems, civil society organisations and all stakeholders. We firmly believe that meaningful consultation strengthens legislation and helps achieve a balanced outcome.
The VPP remains steadfast in its commitment to protect Khasi customary laws, uphold the autonomy of the Autonomous District Councils under the Sixth Schedule and strengthen—not weaken—our traditional institutions. At the same time, we have an equal responsibility to ensure that land governance remains transparent, accountable and responsive to the interests of the people. This is not a contest between customary institutions and democratic values. The two must complement each other. Our objective is not to diminish our traditions but to ensure that they continue to protect our most precious inheritance—our land—with fairness, integrity, accountability and in the best interests of present and future generations.
