From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, April 3: The headmen of three villages in the Umsiang area — Umsiang Maiong, Umsiang Mawpdeng, and Umsiang Kraikejam — under Raid Maiong in Ri-Bhoi have denied allegations that a 300-acre plot of Raid land has been sold to the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) for Rs 100 crore. These claims were recently made by the Confederation of Ri Bhoi People (CoRP) and reported in a section of the media.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Headman of Umsiang Mawpdeng Pynshngain Shylla stated that no such Raid land exists as claimed by CoRP. He clarified that all land in these villages is privately owned.
Regarding allegations that the No Objection Certificate (NOC) was issued by the Syiem (Traditional head) and village headmen, Shylla explained that the village headmen have no authority over land transactions. He asserted that land matters in the area have always been handled by the traditional custodians, such as the Longsan Mansan and the Lyngdoh Raid, as per customary practices.
Expressing deep concern over CoRP’s accusations that village headmen and the Syiem were involved in selling off Raid land for personal gain, Shylla termed such claims as highly misleading. He emphasized that neither he nor the other village headmen had any knowledge of such a land deal with MIDC until the news report surfaced.
Shylla also urged CoRP and other organizations in the district to consult village leaders before making any public statements, ensuring that the public is not misled.
