Shillong, Dec 14: The President of HITO Mr. Donbok Dkhar and Mr. Gary S Myrboh Political Secretary has jointly sing the leeter sent to Meghalaya Chief Minister Mr. Conrad K Sangma expressed their strong opposition to the Government’s Lack of clarification and proposal to permit land sales to Non-Khasi Investors in the state.
In the letter sent to the Chief Minister HITO expressed their concern and disappointment regarding the recent developments associated with the NPP-led MDA-2 government’s initiative to amend the MSIPF Act 2024.
This proposed amendment seeks to empower individuals, groups, and companies to acquire land in Meghalaya through the Investment Meghalaya Association, a move that we firmly believe undermines our cherished traditional values and threatens our legal rights as indigenous people.
The government’s apparent disregard for the Land Transfer Act of 1971, which explicitly prohibits non-tribals from acquiring land within our state’s borders, raises troubling questions about your administration’s dedication to upholding the rights and customs of the Khasi community.
Historically, the Hynñiewtrep community has held an unwavering stance against any attempts to commodify our ancestral lands and allow foreign encroachment. We need only reflect on the historic movements in 1978, 1987, and 1996, when our people united to resist outside domination and staunchly defend our rights.
While we acknowledge the pressing employment crisis facing our youth, it is critical to consider the track record of the industries that would arise from such investments. These businesses have frequently left behind a legacy of social hardships and environmental degradation that has adversely affected our communities.
Although you may assert that these investments will generate employment opportunities for local youth, the reality tells a different story. Despite the presence of numerous cement factories and other industrial projects, unemployment continues to plague our state, with many of the jobs being filled by individuals from Assam and Bangladesh rather than our own local populace. Thus, any assertions regarding job creation appear to lack substance.
“It appears that your administration is grappling with substantial financial liabilities and may be considering sacrificing our heritage for short-term fiscal relief. We must caution against dealing with entities that threaten our way of life”.
Furthermore, we would like to bring to your attention the unresolved matters related to the Instrument of Accession and the Standstill Agreement, which highlighted specific terms and conditions concerning land rights as outlined by the 25 HynñiewtrepHimas. It is imperative to recognize that the Khasi States consciously chose not to sign the Instrument of Merger.
This historical context amplifies the importance of your government’s obligation to safeguard the rights entrusted to you by the electorate. The people placed their trust in your government not only to protect our cultural and natural heritage but also to ensure that it is not relinquished for the sake of financial gain.
We earnestly urge you to reconsider this misguided course of action. We ask for clarification on the proposed MSIPF Act 2024 and implore you to remain steadfast in your commitment to the principles of justice, equity, and respect for the rights of the Indigenous peoples of Meghalaya.
