The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) has urged the Meghalaya government to immediately suspend the proposed transfer of 232.899 hectares of tribal land in East Jaintia Hills to a private cement company. The council has raised concerns over the proposed valuation of approximately ₹11.88 crore and alleged inadequate public notification of the transaction. The land, located at Umkyrpong in Elaka Sumer, belongs to Wom Chyrmang of Jalaphet village.
Two Form-D notices issued by the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner identify Kopili Cement (I) Private Limited as the proposed purchaser. In a representation submitted on November 12, the JNC demanded greater transparency, an extension of the notice period and wider publicity to ensure that interested tribal buyers receive a fair opportunity to participate in the process.
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Key Facts About the Meghalaya Tribal Land Transfer Dispute
- Location: Umkyrpong, Elaka Sumer, East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya.
- Organisation opposing the transfer: Jaiñtia National Council (JNC).
- JNC President: Sambormi Lyngdoh.
- Total land area: 232.899 hectares.
- Landowner: Wom Chyrmang of Jalaphet village.
- Proposed buyer: Kopili Cement (I) Private Limited.
- Proposed consideration: Approximately ₹11.88 crore.
- Representation submitted: November 12.
- Previous representation: October 8.
- Relevant regulation: Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Rules, 1974.
JNC Demands Immediate Suspension of Proposed Land Transfer
The JNC has called on the Meghalaya government to stop the proposed transfer of tribal land until authorities properly examine the council’s objections.
In its latest representation to the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, the organisation requested an immediate hold on the transaction and any pending approval process.
The council, led by president Sambormi Lyngdoh, argued that the proposed transfer raises serious questions about transparency, land valuation and the rights of indigenous communities.
It also demanded an extension of the Form-D notice period. Additionally, the JNC wants authorities to publish the proposed transaction through local newspapers and other public platforms.
According to the council, wider publicity would help interested tribal individuals learn about the transaction and exercise their rights under existing land regulations.
₹11.88 Crore Valuation Raises Questions
One of the JNC’s major concerns involves the proposed consideration of approximately ₹11.88 crore for the 232.899 hectares of land.
The council questioned whether the amount adequately reflects the property’s actual market value, particularly considering its potential limestone resources and long-term economic importance.
It has demanded complete transparency regarding the valuation process and the factors authorities considered while determining the proposed price.
The JNC believes that land containing valuable natural resources should receive careful assessment before any transfer to a private corporate entity.
The organisation has also stressed that the economic potential of the property should benefit indigenous communities rather than exclude them from future opportunities.
JNC Says Tribal Buyers Deserve a Fair Opportunity
The council claimed that other tribal individuals may be interested in purchasing the land and have sufficient financial resources to complete the transaction.
However, it argued that inadequate public notification could prevent potential buyers from learning about the proposed sale within the prescribed period.
Sambormi Lyngdoh questioned why indigenous buyers should lose the opportunity to purchase valuable tribal property simply because they did not receive adequate information.
“If our own tribal people are willing and capable of purchasing these lands at the applicable market value, why should they be deprived of that opportunity simply because they were never adequately informed?” Lyngdoh said.
He further argued that the land represents more than an immediate financial transaction. According to him, its natural resources and economic potential could support future generations.
Therefore, the council wants authorities to ensure that eligible tribal buyers receive a fair opportunity before approving the proposed transfer.
Previous Objection Submitted on October 8
The latest representation follows an earlier complaint submitted by the JNC to the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner on October 8.
At that time, the council requested authorities to defer the process, extend the period for interested buyers to respond and ensure wider publication of the notices.
The JNC referred to Rule 6(1) of the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Rules, 1974, in support of its demand for proper public notification.
Despite its earlier intervention, the organisation has continued to raise concerns about the proposed transaction.
On November 12, it submitted another representation to the office of Sanjay Goyal, Commissioner and Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department. Goyal was reportedly unavailable at the time of submission.
Growing Opposition to Corporate Acquisition of Tribal Land
The latest dispute reflects the JNC’s broader concerns over proposed transfers of tribal land to corporate entities in Meghalaya.
The organisation has previously objected to other proposed land transactions involving companies, including the Shree Cement Limited matter.
East Jaintia Hills is an important part of Meghalaya’s mineral-rich region, with limestone resources supporting the state’s cement industry.
Consequently, questions surrounding tribal land ownership, mineral resources and corporate investment carry significant economic and social importance across the state.
The JNC maintains that development and industrial investment should not come at the cost of indigenous land rights. It wants the government to ensure transparency and protect the interests of tribal communities before approving major land transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is the JNC opposing the proposed land transfer?
The JNC has raised concerns over the valuation, inadequate public notice and the possibility that interested tribal buyers may lose their opportunity to purchase the land.
2. How much tribal land is involved in the dispute?
The proposed transaction involves 232.899 hectares of land at Umkyrpong in Elaka Sumer, East Jaintia Hills.
3. Which company is the proposed buyer?
Kopili Cement (I) Private Limited has been identified as the proposed purchaser in the Form-D notices.
4. What is the proposed land value?
The combined consideration for the two land parcels is approximately ₹11.88 crore.
5. Who is leading the opposition?
JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh is leading the council’s opposition to the proposed transfer.
6. What action has the JNC demanded from the government?
The council wants the government to suspend the transfer process, extend the Form-D notice period and ensure wider public notification.
7. Which law has the JNC referred to?
The council has cited Rule 6(1) of the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Rules, 1974.
The dispute highlights the continuing debate over tribal land protection, mineral resources and corporate investment in Meghalaya. The government’s response to the JNC’s demands will be important for maintaining transparency and protecting indigenous land rights in Northeast India.