SHILLONG: Heated debate was witnessed at a talk show on the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) (Second Amendment) Bill, 2018 organised by T7 local news channel at Savio Hall on Monday.
MLA Adelbert Nongrum said despite the Land Transfer Act, non-tribals can still purchase land through mixed marriages.
KSU general secretary Donald Thabah said the Bill does not prohibit people to marry outside the Khasi tribe. However, he predicted a transformation to patrilineal society if there are numerous cases of mixed marriages in the state which will ultimately become dominant.
Advocate Erwin Sutnga spoke about the economic exploitation of the Khasi people through mixed marriages and maintained that women should be proud of this Bill which recognises them and from this the clan is traced. Former president of Seng Khasi Seng Kmie, Banteidor Rumnong said there is a need for public consultation as clan members should also be consulted with regard to the Bill.
TUR member Angela Rangad said the Bill is a big fraud on the Khasi people and asked if there is the first amendment Bill of the Bill.
She pointed out the need to have a Land Ceiling Act initiated by KHADC which will seek to curb Benami and other illegal land transfer.
On the other hand, Agnes Kharshiing questioned on the data/statistic of Benami cases.
