The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) today passed an official resolution asking the State government to seek views of stakeholders before implementing the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act, 2024.
During the first day of the winter session, KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pyniaid Sing Syiem stressed that the Khasi land tenure system, as practiced in the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid, and Dorbar Hima, is an ideal model that has preserved the socio-cultural ethos of the Khasi community.
He further noted that the KHADC is mandated under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India to protect and preserve the Khasi land tenure system within its jurisdiction.
He asserted that the Khasi traditional tribal institutions play a vital role in safeguarding the customs, usages, and land tenure system of the Khasi community.
However, he warned that the Act would be in conflict with several provisions of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Regulation and Administration of Land) Act, 2021, which may impact the sentiments of the general public.
During the discussion on the official resolution, Opposition Leader Titosstarwell Chyne mentioned that many pressure groups and concerned individuals have expressed apprehension regarding the establishment of the Invest Meghalaya Authority (IMA), which would facilitate direct land purchases from the people.
He called on the state government to clarify existing doubts before moving forward with the implementation of the Act.
Taking part in the motion, a senior member of the KHADC Bindo Mathew Lanong supported the resolution, stating that this will ensure that lands cannot be bought by outsiders.
“This resolution will make certain that even the state government is barred by laws and does not permit our lands to be bought by outsiders,” he added.
