Shillong, July 05: A meeting of the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur Ka Bri U Hynñiewtrep was convened today, 4 July 2026, at Mawkyrwat to deliberate on two issues of profound importance to the indigenous Khasi community, the preservation and protection of the Khasi matrilineal clan system, and the implications of the proposed KHAD (Regulation and Administration of Land) (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
After extensive deliberations, the gathering expressed serious concern that certain provisions of the proposed amendment seek to curtail the traditional authority and jurisdiction of the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raij, and Dorbar Hima—the indigenous institutions of self-governance that have, since time immemorial, regulated land ownership, administration, and community affairs in accordance with Khasi customary law.
These institutions enjoy constitutional recognition and protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, and have remained the cornerstone of democratic grassroots governance and customary land administration in the Khasi Hills.
While the meeting acknowledged that the objectives of introducing reasonable land ceiling regulations and modernising land administration through digitised and online record management may contribute to greater administrative efficiency, transparency, and accessibility, it firmly maintained that such reforms must not come at the cost of eroding or superseding the customary powers, autonomy, and constitutional safeguards vested in the traditional institutions.
Any reform relating to land administration must respect the spirit of the Sixth Schedule and preserve the customary decision-making authority of the indigenous institutions that have safeguarded community lands for generations.
The meeting was addressed by several distinguished speakers, including eminent legal practitioner Robert June Kharjahrin, former Chief Executive Member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, Manstudy Nongrem, the President of Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur Ka Bri U Hynñiewtrep, R. L. Kharpran, and the Secretary of Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong, R. L. Blah, among other prominent representatives of traditional institutions and civil society.
Following detailed discussions, the assembly unanimously resolved to extend its unequivocal support to the collective initiatives undertaken by both the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur Ka Bri U Hynñiewtrep and the Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong in defence of the Khasi matrilineal clan system, customary land rights, and the constitutional authority of the traditional institutions.
The gathering reaffirmed that any legislative amendment or administrative intervention that undermines the established customary legal framework, weakens the authority of the Dorbars, or dilutes the constitutional protections guaranteed under the Sixth Schedule shall be firmly opposed.
The meeting further resolved that the existing legal framework governing customary land administration must be preserved unless any proposed reforms are developed through broad-based consultation and consensus with the recognised traditional institutions and custodians of Khasi customary law.
To consolidate this collective position and chart the future course of action, a joint convention of clan elders (Rangbah Kur) and heads of local traditional institutions (Nongsynshar Shnong) has been convened on 7 July 2026 in Shillong.
The convention will formulate a coordinated strategy to safeguard the Khasi matrilineal system, uphold the integrity of customary land laws, and resist any attempt to weaken or undermine the time-honoured indigenous institutions and legal traditions that continue to form the foundation of Khasi identity, governance, and social cohesion.
If intended for publication in newspapers or submission to the Government, I can also redraft this in a more legal and constitutional style with stronger references to the Sixth Schedule, customary law jurisprudence, and the legislative competence of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.
