By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 15: The Mawsmai Nongthymmai Elaka, one of the prominent traditional institutions of the Sohra region, has issued a directive limiting land allotment to only original inhabitants and tightening regulations on land use across its jurisdiction.
In a public notice released by the office of the Sirdar, the Elaka reaffirmed that community land in Nongthymmai, Mawsmai, Mawblang and Thangkharang remains collectively owned by the people but is regulated solely by the Dorbar. Any allotment, it said, will be granted only to genuine residents.
The Sirdar stated that applicants seeking land for homestead or legitimate purposes must submit a written request, after which the Executive Dorbar will assess eligibility.
Ground inspections will be carried out by the Matabor to ensure that proposed allotments do not encroach upon water sources, disturb protected forests, or obstruct existing roads and footpaths.
A sharp warning was issued against benami landholding, which the Elaka has declared illegal. “Any person found engaging in such practice shall face disciplinary and legal action, including forfeiture of land rights,” the notice said.
Land may be allotted to institutions or government offices only if they are deemed beneficial to the Elaka and the wider public. Such allotments must be backed by a formal agreement, including a mandatory clause stating that the land will revert to the Elaka if the institution ceases to operate.
Reiterating long-standing customary norms, the Sirdar stressed that land within the Elaka cannot be sold or purchased under any circumstances. If a resident vacates their homestead, they may remove structures or personal belongings, but the land will remain with the Elaka. Houses may be sold, but not the land on which they stand.
The notice warned that any individual or group claiming to sell land within the Elaka is committing fraud.
