SHILLONG, June 27: The Jaintia Students Movement (JSM) has welcomed the decision of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) to enact a law for the registration and protection of clans in the region.
The JHADC Executive Committee, led by CEM Thombor Shiwat, recently accepted the demand to frame the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District (Registration & Protection of Clans) Act, 2026. The decision follows a memorandum submitted by the JSM on June 17 and a resolution adopted by the Dorbar Waheh Kur Ri Jaintia during its annual general meeting earlier this month.
Under Para 3(1)(b) of the Sixth Schedule, the District Council is empowered to legislate on “inheritance” and “social customs”. The proposed Act seeks to formalise clan registration, protect lineage and safeguard ancestral property (akhrur).
JSM publicity secretary Heihokmi Supuh urged the JHADC to conduct thorough consultations with traditional heads (Waheh Kur) and other stakeholders while drafting the bill before its introduction in the upcoming council session.
He commended the CEM and the Executive Committee for upholding the spirit of the Sixth Schedule.
According to the JSM, the legislation will be instrumental in protecting original clans (Kur Tre Ri), strengthening the authority of the Dorbar Kur and defining the powers of clan elders to ensure the security of community assets for future generations.
