Activist seeks probe into ‘anomalies’ in land transactions by traditional heads

SHILLONG, May 22: Social activist Manbha Phankon has petitioned the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), calling for an immediate investigation into alleged irregularities in land transactions facilitated by the office of the Syiem of Raid Marwet and the Dorbar.
In his petition, Phankon has also accused the traditional authority of violating the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, by refusing to respond to a formal inquiry on land matters.
He stated that an RTI application was initially submitted to the Syiem of Mylliem on January 23, 2025, seeking details about land procurement and allocation involving both local and non-local residents under the jurisdiction of the Syiem of Raid Marwet. Although the request was forwarded to the concerned office, he alleged that “the office has not only delayed its response but has also claimed that it is not subject to the provisions of the RTI Act, asserting that it does not qualify as an office of profit.”
Phankon noted that this stance contradicts a 2010 ruling by Meghalaya’s Chief Information Commissioner, GP Wahlang, which recognised traditional heads and institutions as administrative officers appointed under para 2(4) of the Sixth Schedule.
“According to a ruling issued by the Chief Information Commissioner of Meghalaya, GP Wahlang, in 2010, traditional heads and bodies are recognised as administrative officers appointed by the Autonomous District Council under para 2(4) of the Sixth Schedule and as confirmed by the Supreme Court in the case of Mr. T Cajee vs Jormanik Syiem,” the complaint stated.
He further argued that such offices “fall under the category of public servants as defined in Section 2(H) of the RTI Act. This classification mandates that offices such as those of the Syiem, Sirdar and Rangbah Shnong are obligated to provide responses to information seekers in accordance with the stipulations of the RTI Act, 2005.”
Expressing concern over the lack of transparency, Phankon wrote that “the refusal of the Syiem of Raid Marwet and Dorbar to comply with these regulations raises significant concerns regarding transparency and accountability within the administrative framework.”
He also warned that “the inactions of the office of the Syiem of Raid Marwet and Dorbar in failing to address inquiries under the RTI Act suggest a troubling disregard for the principles of governance, particularly in matters related to land transactions and allocation in border areas.”
The complainant alleged that these failures “not only undermine the trust of the public but also pose serious concerns about the sale of land between local landowners and non-locals in border regions of the Raid Marwet”, and “also raise alarms about the potential violations of the Meghalaya Land Transfer Regulations Act, 1971 by the office of the Syiem of Raid Marwet.”
In this regard, Phankon has urged the KHADC to “establish an inquiry committee promptly to investigate the ongoing land transactions facilitated by the office of the Syiem of Raid Marwet,” with specific attention to whether “these transactions violate the Meghalaya Land Transfer (Regulations) Act, 1971, especially if it is found that the Syiem office has issued No Objection Certificates to local landowners for selling land to outsiders, as well as to outsiders for purchasing land.”
“Such actions, if proven to be in contravention of established regulations, necessitate immediate corrective measures and stringent action against the Syiem office to uphold the legal framework set forth by the Council and protect the rights of the indigenous population,” he concluded.