Allegations of allotment of land at Law Syiem to MLAs
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 16: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has reconstituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate allegations that Hima Mylliem allotted land to several MLAs and organisations in Law Syiem, an area declared a Law Adong (protected forest) in 2014.
Official sources informed The Shillong Times on Sunday that the committee originally formed in July had lapsed following the resignation of former Chief Executive Member (CEM) Shemborlang Rynjah, which resulted in the dissolution of the previous Executive Committee (EC).
The committee has been automatically reconstituted with the same members. It will be chaired by John Dkhar, Joint Secretary of the Elaka Department, with Andy Syiem, Deputy Secretary of the Land Department, and Sharai Lamare, Under Secretary of the Political Department, serving as members.
Sources said the committee has already begun collecting documents and information, noting that the probe will take time before a final report is submitted to the EC.
The committee’s mandate includes investigating claims that certain MLAs, groups and organisations were granted land within the protected forest. It will also examine the previous EC’s decision to cancel an agreement and return the custodianship of Law Mawpat to Hima Mylliem.
Executive Member in charge of Elaka, Powell Sohkhlet, had earlier lauded former CEM Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit and the late Syiem of Hima Mylliem, Latho Manik Syiem, for their efforts in managing Law Syiem and securing its declaration as a protected forest in 2014.
According to reports, former CEM Hispreaching Son Shylla revoked the order declaring Law Syiem as Law Adong in 2019, following a directive from the High Court of Meghalaya. A group of Myntris had reportedly moved the court challenging the signing of the original agreement, and the ruling eventually favoured Hima Mylliem.
The committee will further review the findings of a recent on-site inspection carried out by the current EC, led by former CEM Shemborlang Rynjah.
During its inspection, the previous EC noticed significant destruction within the forest area and noted that parts of the land were being used as graveyards by several churches.
During the inspection, many boundary pillars were found during the inspection, though ownership records and the procedures followed in the allotment process remain unclear.
The inquiry will determine whether the land was allotted freely or purchased from Hima Mylliem.
