SHILLONG: The Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) in collaboration with NERCORMP; RNBA, Manipur and North East Network organised a two-day North East Land Conference focusing on issues of land, laws, local and livelihoods on January 30 and 31 at its premises in Nongrah.
The key objectives of the seminar were to bring together like-minded stakeholders to deliberate on the various issues concerning land-like ownership and tenure systems, legislations as well as the customary laws that govern land ownership in the North East.
Speaking at the inaugural session, the chief guest of the Seminar, Rina Chandran, Thomson Reuters Foundation, observed the women, who she has encountered in her various assignments around the world, have always displayed a spirit of courage in the face of hurdles and felt that it was so with the women of the North East, too, who had to continually fight for their rights, especially when it comes to issues of land ownership.
The inaugural session was followed by a technical session on ‘Community Land Governance and Customary Tenure: Documentations, Enquiries and Change dynamics.’
A paper on the security status of customary land tenure system from sustainable development perspectives was delivered by VT Darlong, Vice-Chancellor, MLCU, who presented a preliminary study of customary land systems through the lens of land-based development programmes in North East.
Another paper on the emergence of landlessness in Meghalaya was presented by Fabian Lyngdoh, faculty, MLCU, who presented a detailed analysis of the history of the Kur, Raid, Hima and Syiem systems in Meghalaya and how they influenced the emergence of the various traditional and customary land ownership and inheritance laws, which are practised till date.
A panel discussion moderated by The Shillong Times editor, Patricia Mukhim, was held on ‘Land Rights of Indigenous Women in NE India.’ The panelists include Agnes Kharshiing of CSWO, Meghalaya; Seno Tsuhah of NEN, Nagaland; Mayalmit Lepcha, IRN, Sikkim and Christina Lalremdik, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur.
The key point that was brought forth in the discussion was that women lacked proper rights of property inheritance and ownership. This is worsened by the fact that women are losing their livelihood with land acquisition and occupation by various government agencies in the name of development.
The panelists also pointed out that women do not have a say in issues of land as they are not part of decision-making bodies in the community.
A panel discussion on ‘Land Right Issues in Manipur’ was also moderated by Dimgonglung Rongmei of RNBA, Manipur.
On the second day of the conference, a panel discussion on ‘Community Led Land Mapping for Customary Tenure Rights in Manipur’ was held. The panelists narrated various procedures and techniques of land mapping, measurement and documentation practised and the advantages that each has had on the locals of Manipur. This was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Development, Investments and Displacement in NE India’.
The panelists spoke about the high rate of displacement in the Northeastern region with people living under constant threat of eviction because of the various infrastructural and developmental initiatives.
The panelists emphasised that the media should present the stories of these displaced people more as they are robbed of their very identity.
