By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 5: A landmark and long-awaited land agreement between the Government of Meghalaya and the Elaka Saitsohpen was formally signed today, ending a 45-year dispute dating back to 1982. Through this agreement, 128 acres of government land have been officially returned to the Elaka Saitsohpen, bringing long-term relief and clarity to the people of the area.
It may be noted that for decades, villagers were unable to register land, build homes, or access housing and education loans. Many construction efforts were halted, and residents received repeated show-cause notices.
In his keynote speech, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong traced the root of the land issue to the early 1820s, when land in this region was handed to the British administration. He mentioned a current parallel case in Tura where 200 acres still remain under government ownership, requiring residents to operate on lease agreements and pay premiums to the government.
He emphasised that Saitsohpen stands in contrast, as the government has given back the entire 128 acres back to the Elaka, not as lease land but as complete ownership. He described Saitsohpen as the “brain of the subdivision” due to many government offices being present in this area and praised the dedicated efforts of the Dorbar, the Elaka leadership, and the people who persisted for decades.
Highlighting recent progress under the MDA Government, he pointed to the inauguration of various schemes by DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Chief Minister Conrad Sangma in Sohra region, as well as the Umtyngar-Shella Road improvement to be undertaken soon.
He added that major development projects, including converting the abandoned Crowborough Hotel in Police Bazar into a 5-star hotel, show the government’s commitment to transforming Meghalaya despite criticism.
GAD Minister Sosthenes Sohtun lauded the people of Saitsohpen for their endurance over decades of uncertainty. He highlighted that despite many critics, the government has worked tirelessly to complete long-pending tasks. He described the agreement as a crucial milestone, especially for Saitsohpen—one of the significant tourism hotspot area—and noted that resolving the land dispute will open doors to faster development and better opportunities for the local population.
On the other hand, Sohra MLA Gavin M Mylliem stated that the resolution of this long-standing dispute was possible due to the teamwork between the MDA Government and the Elaka Saitsohpen under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. He appreciated the collective effort that has finally given a solution to a problem lingering since 1982. He noted that the MDA Government has addressed several long-pending issues across the state, including the interstate border dispute with Assam, where 6 of the 12 areas of difference have already been settled with an MoU. He reminded that while critics will always be present, the work speaks for itself.
Shella MLA Balajied Kupar Synrem highlighted that numerous development projects in Saitsohpen remained stuck for decades due to unclear land ownership. Now that the agreement has been finalised and ownership restored, the government will be able to proceed with long-delayed initiatives.
He announced that a major Rs 114-crore project will now be implemented in the Elaka, unlocking developmental opportunities that were previously impossible due to the dispute.
