Meghalaya Cabinet Minister, Paul Lyngdoh on Wednesday asserted that there is documentary evidence to substantiate the ownership rights of indigenous people over their land and resources, during the ongoing Autumn Session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assem
Meghalaya Cabinet Minister, Paul Lyngdoh on Wednesday asserted that there is documentary evidence to substantiate the ownership rights of indigenous people over their land and resources, during the ongoing Autumn Session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on 26 August, 2026.
Responding to issues concerning land ownership and the protection of indigenous rights, Lyngdoh maintained that claims over land and traditional ownership must be supported by documentary and historical evidence.
He emphasised that the rights and interests of indigenous communities cannot be protected through assertions alone, but require proper records and legal documentation to establish ownership and customary rights.
The Minister's remarks came amid continuing concerns over land ownership, demographic changes and the need to strengthen safeguards for indigenous communities in Meghalaya.
The statement is likely to add further momentum to the ongoing debate in the Assembly and among civil society groups over the protection of indigenous land rights and customary ownership in the State.
