Shillong, Nov 14: The Mawsmai–Nongthymmai Elaka, one of the traditional institutions in Sohra area has issued a public notice that land for homestead or other economic activities will only be allotted to original inhabitants of the Elaka.
According to a notice issued by the office of the Sirdar, land in Nongthymmai, Mawsmai, Mawblang, and Thangkharang villages are owned by the community but the management, regulation, and allocation of land are vested in the Dorbar of the Elaka.
The Sirdar said land for homestead or other genuine and lawful purposes may be allotted only to the original inhabitants of the Elaka. “Any person seeking such land must submit a written application to the Head of the Elaka (the Sirdar),” he added.
An applicant’s eligibility will only by assessed by the Executive Dorbar to be followed by an inspection by the Matabor (Headman) who will ensure that the proposed land does not encroach upon any natural water source or protected forest area, no obstruction to existing road or public footpath and suitable and safe for human habitation.
While the same process applies to applicants seeking land for setting up business or other economic activities the notice warned against the practice of Benami landholding. “Any person found engaging in such practice shall face appropriate disciplinary and legal action, including the forfeiture of all land rights within the Elaka,” the notice added.
The Sirdar said an exception may be made for institutions or government offices that are considered beneficial to the people of the Elaka and the general public but proposals shall be subject to careful examination by the Executive Dorbar.
“In every such case, a written agreement shall be executed clearly outlining the terms and conditions, including a clause that if the institution or office ceases to use the land for the stated purpose, the land shall automatically revert to the Elaka,” the notice said.
Furthermore, no person is permitted to sell or purchase land within the Mawsmai– Nongthymmai Elaka. “If any landholder wishes to vacate his or her homestead, he or she may remove personal belongings or dismantle the house structure, but the land itself shall automatically revert to the Elaka. A person may sell the house structure only, not the land and any buyer must understand and accept this condition and the accompanying risk.
Any individual, group, or agent claiming to sell land within the Elaka is acting fraudulently, it said.
