The controversy surrounding the proposed Shillong Peak Ropeway project took a fresh turn on Tuesday, with KHADC Leader of Opposition Titosstarwell Chyne challenging the state government’s claim of ownership over the land earmarked for the project.
Chyne asserted that the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) retains jurisdiction over land falling within Sixth Schedule areas and that non-tribal companies are required to obtain mandatory trading licences even when undertaking government-funded projects.
Speaking to reporters, Chyne referred to the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills District (Trading by Non-Tribals) Regulation, 1954, which mandates that non-tribal individuals and companies from outside the state obtain trading licences before conducting business activities in the region.
He maintained that the provision applies irrespective of whether a project is privately undertaken or executed on behalf of the government.
While asserting that the provisions of the 1954 Regulation were clear, Chyne said the central issue in the ongoing dispute was the ownership of the project site and the legal justification behind the KHADC’s decision to lock and seal the premises.
He said he was yet to receive a clear explanation on whether the construction site belonged to the government or the company executing the project.
“If the land belongs to the government, then questions arise over the Council’s authority to lock and seal the site. On the other hand, if it belongs to the company, the KHADC Executive Committee must clarify the legal basis for its action,” he said.
Chyne also pointed out that the presence of government-owned land within Sixth Schedule areas does not automatically place it outside the territorial jurisdiction of the District Council.
According to him, government land across the Council’s jurisdiction, except certain areas such as European Ward, falls within its purview.
He added that the Executive Committee must explain the circumstances and timing of the action taken against the ropeway project.
Meanwhile, Chyne said the United Democratic Party (UDP) had referred the Shillong Peak Ropeway controversy to its Shillong City unit for detailed deliberations. The unit is expected to examine the issue and decide the party’s stand as well as the course of action to be adopted.
