SHILLONG, Aug 7: Representatives of traditional Khasi institutions on Friday urged the Meghalaya government to intervene over a controversial amendment to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Regulation and Administration of Land) Act, claiming it weakens the role of customary bodies in decisions on indigenous land.
A delegation of the Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep met Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also holds the District Council Affairs portfolio, and submitted a memorandum opposing the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Regulation and Administration of Land) Amendment Bill, 2026 and the related notification fixing a ceiling on raid land.
The delegation said the amendment, passed by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) during its June session, removes a provision in the 2021 Act that required the Executive Committee to consult Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima before fixing ceilings on the settlement or allotment of raid land.
According to the delegation, the amendment sidelines traditional institutions that have historically served as custodians of Khasi customary land and governance.
They also claimed the Bill was passed without consulting the traditional bodies and argued that it goes against the spirit of the Principal Act and the Khasi customary land tenure system.
The delegation further questioned a KHADC notification issued on June 11, alleging that it fixed a ceiling on raid land without following the consultation process mandated under the 2021 law. They warned that the move could create confusion at the grassroots level.
The Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep informed the Chief Minister that a joint meeting of traditional institutions held in Shillong on July 7 had unanimously resolved to oppose the amendment.
Responding to the concerns, Chief Minister Sangma reiterated the state government’s commitment to safeguarding traditional institutions, customary governance, indigenous land rights and Meghalaya’s unique matrilineal heritage.
The delegation described the meeting as positive and expressed hope that their concerns would receive due consideration.
 Act, claiming it weakens the role of customary bodies in decisions on indigenous land.){kind=link}