By Our Reporter
Shillong, Dec 9: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said that he will hold a CM-level discussion with his Mizoram counterpart Lalduhoma to address the long-standing issue of non-issuance of Land Settlement Certificates (LSCs) to the indigenous Khasi population residing in Mizoram.
His assurance came during a meeting with a delegation comprising members of the Central Executive Committee of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), representatives of the Khasi Welfare Committee of Mizoram, and the KSU Vairangte unit at his official chamber on Tuesday.
KSU general secretary Donald V. Thabah told reporters that the Khasi people in Mizoram have been residing in three to five villages along the border with Assam since 1930. “About 500 Khasi people live there, and despite repeated assurances from the Mizoram government over the years, no LSCs have been issued to them,” he said.
He explained that the delegation sought the Meghalaya CM’s intervention to ensure that the LSCs are granted to the indigenous Khasi people. “These certificates are crucial for recognising the rights of our ancestors and ensuring a secure future for their children,” he added.
Thabah said that Sangma did not specify a timeline, but assured the delegation that the talks would take place as soon as possible. He, however, expressed partial satisfaction in anticipation of the outcome of the proposed discussion between the two Chief Ministers.
Khasi Welfare Committee assistant secretary Paul Teibormiki Pajat confirmed that Sangma gave them a positive assurance to take up the matter with his Mizoram counterpart.
“In Vairangte, Mizoram, we have over 500 people across more than 90 households. While we receive basic facilities, we need the LSCs,” he said.
