Meghalaya: KHADC reinstates probe into alleged land allotment to MLAs in Protected Forest

Guwahati: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has reconstituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate allegations that Hima Mylliem allocated land to several MLAs and organisations in Law Syiem, an area designated as a Law Adong (protected forest) in 2014, The Shillong Times reported.

According to official sources, the committee initially formed in July had lapsed after the resignation of former Chief Executive Member (CEM) Shemborlang Rynjah, which led to the dissolution of the previous Executive Committee (EC).

The committee has now been reinstated with the same members.

The reconstituted panel is chaired by John Dkhar, Joint Secretary of the Elaka Department, with Andy Syiem, Deputy Secretary of the Land Department, and Sharai Lamare, Under Secretary of the Political Department, serving as members.

Sources said the committee has already begun collecting documents and information, and the probe is expected to take some time before a final report is submitted to the EC.

The inquiry will examine claims that certain MLAs, groups, and organisations were granted land within the protected forest.

It will also review the earlier EC’s decision to cancel an agreement and restore the custodianship of Law Mawpat to Hima Mylliem.

Powell Sohkhlet, Executive Member in charge of Elaka, had previously commended former CEM Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit and the late Syiem of Hima Mylliem, Latho Manik Syiem, for their role in managing Law Syiem and securing its declaration as a protected forest in 2014.

Reports indicate that former CEM Hispreaching Son Shylla revoked the Law Adong declaration in 2019 following a directive from the Meghalaya High Court.

This came after a group of Myntris challenged the original agreement, with the court ultimately ruling in favour of Hima Mylliem.

The committee will also review findings from a recent on-site inspection conducted by the current EC under former CEM Shemborlang Rynjah.

During the inspection, the EC observed significant damage to the forest area, with parts of the land being used as graveyards by several churches.

While several boundary pillars were identified, ownership records and the procedures followed for the land allotments remain unclear.

The inquiry will determine whether the land was allotted freely or purchased from Hima Mylliem.