Shillong: The recognition of Scheduled Tribes from non-Khasi-Jaintia and non-Garo has set loophole in the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act of 1972 in which other Scheduled Tribes (STs) – such as Nagas and Mizos, to purchase land in the Pillangkata area of Raid Marwet, Ri-Bhoi District.
The Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Pyniaid Sing Syiem expressed concern that even other STs have the opportunity to buy land in the border area of Pillangkata in Raid Marwet.
According to the CEM, the purchase of land by non-Khasi, non-Jaintia and non-Garo in border areas near Assam is not a recent issue, but one that has persisted over time, especially in Raid Marwet under Hima Mylliem.
He mentioned that the Executive Committee has agreed with the state government on the need to amend the Scheduled Tribe Order of 1950 to restrict the land purchases of Scheduled Tribes not indigenous to Meghalaya.
He also pointed out that the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act of 1972 restricts non-tribals from purchasing land but does not prevent Scheduled Tribes from outside the Khasi-Jaintia and Garo communities from doing so.
The CEM stated that the Council’s Elaka and Land Department will make a firm decision on this matter. Additionally, after receiving complaints, the CEM of KHADC has summoned the Syiem of Hima Mylliem since Raid Marwet falls within the jurisdiction of Hima Mylliem. The Elaka and Land Department has been directed to take necessary action, as the Council aims to prevent other areas within its jurisdiction to become as Pillangkata.
