Mawkyrwat, Oct 20: The Hima Maharam has withdrawn its proposal to allot land to the Border Security Force (BSF) at Sohboitram, near the Mula river under Ranikor in South West Khasi Hills district.
The decision was taken at the executive dorbar held on September 29 wherein it was decided that any proposal for allotment of land to both the state and central governments would be taken up only by the Dorbar Pyllun, which comprises various village councils.
Various pressure groups, traditional heads, Ranikor Farmers’ Areas Association and border residents were opposed to the plan to allot approximately 70 acres of agricultural land near the Mula River for the construction of a BSF unit headquarters. According to the Khasi Students Union (KSU) of the district it was in violation Section 9 of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Regulation & Administration of Land) Act, 2021, which states that no raid land within the district shall be allotted to any person without the prior permission of the Executive Committee.
KSU district president Forwardman Nongrem said the decision of the Hima is welcomed and appreciated the dorbars, other pressure groups, farmers and residents for standing together to raise their voice against the move.
He also said the KSU will demand amendment to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Nomination and Election of the Syiem, Deputy Syiem and Electors of Hima Maharam) Act 2006 and will continue to oppose transfer of land to outsiders that would alienate land and pose a threat to indigenous identity and rights.
