Jirang, 1 August 2025 | Shillong Today News Service

Amid rising tensions over the alleged encroachment by Hima Sohïong, hundreds of residents from Jirang under the Hima Jirang jurisdiction staged a peaceful demonstration on Thursday, calling on the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to take a cautious and evidence-based approach in resolving the ongoing boundary dispute between the two traditional institutions.

The protest, which took place near the Hima Jirang administrative office, saw strong participation from local residents, elders, and traditional leaders, including the Syiem (chief) of Hima Jirang, Paiem H. Wahlang. Protesters carried placards and submitted a formal memorandum addressed to KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pyniaid Sing Syiem, urging the Council to conduct a thorough review of official land records, traditional land maps, and past agreements before issuing any directives or taking unilateral decisions.

Speaking to the media, Paiem Wahlang said, “We are not against dialogue or resolution, but any decision must be based on verified land documents and mutual respect between Himas. The history and customary rights of our people must not be overlooked.”

The dispute stems from recent allegations that Hima Sohïong is attempting to assert territorial claims over certain villages traditionally administered by Hima Jirang, without due consultation or documentation. The residents claim this move threatens not only the territorial integrity of Hima Jirang but also the cultural and administrative balance of the area.

Community leaders stressed that the Council’s intervention must not be based solely on petitions from one party, and requested the KHADC to convene a joint fact-finding meeting with both Himas, accompanied by an independent verification of land documents.

The memorandum submitted by the protesters also highlighted past precedents where boundary disputes were resolved amicably through Council-mediated dialogue rooted in customary laws and archival evidence.

KHADC officials have yet to issue a formal response, but sources within the Council indicated that the matter is under review and will be taken up at the next executive committee meeting.

The Jirang–Sohïong dispute underscores the growing complexity of traditional land governance in Meghalaya, where customary institutions continue to play a central role in local administration amid increasing modern legal scrutiny.