SHILLONG, Sep 5: In a decisive step to curb influx, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Laban Circle, in collaboration with eight Dorbar Shnongs, has passed a resolution, making it mandatory for house owners to seek prior approval from their respective Dorbar Shnongs before renting out property to non-tribals.
The resolution, adopted during a meeting at Karbi House, Laban, on Thursday, will take immediate effect and applies not only to tenants but also to non-tribal workers, shop operators, contractors and guest house occupants.
According to the decision, landlords, shopkeepers, contractors and guest house operators who fail to comply will face stringent action as per Dorbar regulations. Cases of violation may also be referred to the police and the Union.
The KSU further urged that the resolution be announced publicly through locality PA systems to ensure residents are well informed.
Explaining the move, KSU Laban Circle president Reuben Najiar said the measure was necessary to protect the indigenous community in the absence of a comprehensive state law on influx. “We cannot allow illegal settlers to dilute our identity and rights. The community must remain vigilant and proactive,” Najiar stressed.
The meeting also expressed concern over the possible entry of illegal migrants into Meghalaya in the wake of eviction drives in Assam and the unstable situation in Bangladesh. The KSU alleged that many infiltrators disguise themselves as labourers and exploit the Meghalaya Identification, Registration, Safety and Security of Migrant Workers Act, 2020, to gradually settle permanently in the state.
It was therefore resolved that no outsider will be allowed to rent houses, occupy shops, stay in guest houses or work in these localities without prior clearance from the Dorbar.
Dorbar Shnongs also agreed to tighten the verification process, making the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) from Meghalaya mandatory before issuing certificates. Illegal settlers, if detected, will face eviction.
The meeting also flagged ongoing concerns such as landlords bypassing Dorbar authority, benami land transactions and construction clearances granted without local consultation. The rising menace of drug abuse was discussed as well, with police officials present stressing stronger community-police cooperation to address the issue.
The gathering concluded with a joint pledge by the KSU, Dorbar Shnongs and police authorities to strictly enforce the new rules and safeguard the community.
Among those present were Rangbah Shnong, secretaries and executive members of Dorbar Shnongs from Madan and Riat Laban, Laban, Lawsohtun, Upper and Lower Lumparing, Kench’s Trace, Oxford Hill & Rilbong (KOR), Kynjat Phutbol and Lumshatsngi, along with officials from Laban Police Station and Rilbong Beat House.