The deadline set by Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to Hima Sohra to return all land documents issued to non-tribals in Majai has ended today.
However, Hima Sohra informed that it has not yet received the official order of the KHADC on the matter.
It may be mentioned that last week KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM), Pyniaid Sing Syiem had given the Hima Sohra till July 15 to return all land documents to non-tribals in Majai.
“The CEM recently gave a statement asking us to return all the land documents issued to non-tribals in Majai but we have received nothing in writing till the end of the deadline given by him,” Secretary of Hima Sohra B V Rymmai said today.
Questioning the KHADC’s notification that converted Majai village into a Raid, Rymmai also said that the KHADC does not have any power to issue such a notification without prior consultation and consent of the Hima Sohra.
He said, “Hima Sohra has five Raids and there can be no sixth one and even if there is such a decision it has to be with the consent of the Dorbar Hima.”
Rymmai said that if the KHADC really has the real intention to rid non-tribal businesses from Majai it has to work together with Hima Sohra but if the latter does on its own, the Hima will not be responsible.
According to Rymmai, some people with vested interest wanted Majai to be in the limelight just like the Them Iew Mawlong issue.
“In the case of Them Iew Mawlong, the State government formed a High Power Committee and took interest by buying land worth crores of rupees to build cemented houses for the residents. Is KHADC trying to do the same with Majai? That’s the big question,” he said.
Rymmai also maintained that not only Majai is inhabited by non-tribals but there are other places under Hima Sohra like Ichamati, Kalatek etc where non-tribals are there.
He further pointed out that there are non-tribals not only in areas under Hima Sohra but in other places under KHADC jurisdiction too. He asked the district council whether a similar step would be taken in those places.
Meanwhile, the Dorbar Hima of Sohra which was held today and attended by Rangbah Shnongs and Sirdars has opposed the KHADC decision to notify Majai as a Raid.
The Syiem of Hima Sohra, Freeman Sing Syiem informed that if the district council does not revoke its order to turn Majai into a Raid then the traditional heads under the Hima will come to the KHADC to force the CEM to overturn the decision.
