Shillong, Oct 24: On the concluding day of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Autumn Session, Ranikor MDC Bah Pius W. Marweiñ raised a crucial question regarding ownership and legal jurisdiction over the Wahkaji–Nongtnger road, a key inter-border route connecting frontier villages under KHADC’s traditional domain.

Marweiñ sought clarity on four specific points:

When did KHADC officially assume land ownership or jurisdiction over the road?

If not the Council, who holds rightful ownership — the State PWD or the Union Government?

Does the Council’s ownership exist only on paper, or does it exercise full executive authority to regulate the land?

If the PWD undertakes construction or development, is a mandatory NOC from the Council required?

The MDC stressed the urgency of clarification in light of ongoing border sensitivities between Meghalaya and Assam, and to prevent confusion over land authority within traditional Hima/Elaka jurisdictions.

Response from EM Pynkhrawboklin Kharjahrin

The Executive Member in charge of Land & Revenue stated that the Council’s ownership is rooted in the Sixth Schedule, but full executive enforcement remains incomplete. While KHADC holds some documented land records from traditional Himas, proper verification is still pending on critical routes such as Wahkaji–Nongtnger.

Kharjahrin reaffirmed that the Council is re-examining the status and may reclaim administrative control if the territory is confirmed as part of its original traditional domain.

Significance of the Debate

The discussion highlights KHADC’s efforts to reinforce traditional land authority and signals the need for the State PWD and Meghalaya Government to formally coordinate with the Council in border areas, rather than acting unilaterally. The debate could potentially lead to formal measures preventing state projects that bypass traditional jurisdiction.

Opposition MDCs expressed heightened concern, criticizing the EM’s response as insufficient, intensifying the debate in the House.