Protect indigenous tribes’ land rights KHADC urges Central govt

Shillong: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has called on the central government to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, to recognize only indigenous tribes as Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Meghalaya.

This move aims to safeguard the land rights of native tribes and prevent outsiders from purchasing land in the region.

Recently, KHADC Chief Executive Member Pyniaid Sing Syiem met with Governor CH Vijayashnakar to discuss the issue, highlighting complaints that outsiders have bought land in Ri-Bhoi district’s Pilangkata area.

The Meghalaya Land Transfer (Regulation) Act, 1971, prohibits non-locals from purchasing land in Sixth Schedule areas, but the current ST Order allows non-indigenous tribes, such as Mizos and Nagas, to acquire land in the region.

Syiem said that the Executive Committee is closely monitoring the situation and has assigned the Elaka and Land departments to investigate and take necessary actions.

The Council will not accept registration applications for land purchased by outsiders.

This development follows the KHADC’s resolution in December last year, urging the central government to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.

Leader of Opposition Titosstarwell Chyne claimed that while non-indigenous tribes in Meghalaya enjoy similar rights, the state’s indigenous tribes face discrimination in other states.