Shillong, Aug 7: After the recent meeting of the traditional institutions with the governor, the representatives of traditional institutions under the banner Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong: Ka Bri U Hynñiewtrep (SNSBH) and Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur: Ka Bri U Hynñiewtrep (SRKBH) met Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
The memorandum, submitted on the advice of the Governor, urged the state government to address the grievances concerning the constitutional authority of traditional institutions, protection of indigenous land rights, preservation of customary governance, and safeguarding of the Khasi matrilineal system within the framework of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.
The memorandum was handed over to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who is in charge of District Council Affairs.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, R. L. Blah, Secretary of the SNSBH and spokesperson of the SRKBH, read out the memorandum before the chief minister and deputy chief minister. He urged the state government to impress upon the governor to refrain from giving assent to the KHAD (Land Administration) Amendment Bill, 2026, and instead return it for reconsideration so that the provisions and intent of the original legislation are retained in letter and spirit.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong recalled that the original legislation was the outcome of extensive deliberations and consultations involving various stakeholders. He emphasised that the Act had emerged after a detailed process of discussion and consideration.
Delegation member Robert June Kharjahrin further pointed out that the legislation was the result of a collective effort involving all stakeholders, including the Deputy Chief Minister and traditional heads, and that it had taken nearly two years of deliberations to give the legislation its final shape.
Both the delegation and the State Government representatives expressed concern over the decision of the Executive Committee of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to introduce the amendment, particularly the omission of Section 16, which provides for consultation with the respective traditional authorities in matters relating to the implementation of land-ceiling provisions in the district.
The delegation maintained that the omission of this provision could have serious implications for the authority and functioning of traditional institutions, particularly the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raij and Dorbar Hima, which have historically played a central role in customary governance and community-based land administration.
The representatives of the traditional institutions expressed surprise that such a significant alteration could be proposed without what they described as adequate consultation with the traditional authorities concerned.
The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, however, assured the delegation that the matter would be examined thoroughly and that appropriate consideration would be given to the issues and concerns raised before any further course of action is taken.
The delegation reiterated that the protection of traditional institutions and customary governance is integral to safeguarding indigenous land rights and preserving the distinctive constitutional and cultural framework of the Khasi people under the Sixth Schedule.
