Shillong, October 7: The Jaintia National Council (JNC), under the leadership of Sambormi Lyngdoh, President of JNC CEC, has submitted a memorandum to Lok Sabha MP Dr. Ricky A.J. Syngkon, introducing the newly launched Save Jaintia Mission (SJM) and seeking urgent intervention on critical issues affecting the Jaintia Hills region.
The Save Jaintia Mission aims to revitalise the socio-economic fabric of East and West Jaintia Hills while preserving the cultural and historical heritage unique to the people of the region. The memorandum highlights that the Jaintia Hills, rich in natural resources and culture, have faced significant socio-economic and environmental challenges in recent years, particularly after 1996 and 2014. Once thriving on timber and coal mining industries, the region’s economy has been stalled due to judicial interventions aimed at environmental preservation. While the Supreme Court’s bans were necessary for ecological balance, they left the region seeking sustainable alternatives to rebuild its economic foundations.
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The SJM seeks to unite the community around a shared vision of sustainable development, aiming to address economic stagnation, revive cultural pride, and draw inspiration from the resilience of the Jaintia people. The mission promotes an inclusive approach that balances environmental conservation with economic growth, intending to guide the region toward prosperity and harmony.
The JNC highlighted historical injustices stemming from the fragmentation of the Jaintia Kingdom under British rule and subsequent administrative decisions. The annexation and division of the kingdom culminated in 1951, when the Governor of Assam transferred significant portions of ancestral land to create the United Mikir Hills District Council, including lands in Blocks I and II, historically belonging to the Syiem Sutnga family. Historical documents, including the 1896 British-certified map, identify these areas as part of the United Khasi and Jaintia Hills District, making restitution or compensation essential due to their socio-cultural and economic significance.
The memorandum calls for:
• Restitution of Lands: Return of Blocks I and II to the Jaintia Hills as per historical boundaries.
• Compensation for Non-Restituted Lands: Equitable financial compensation and developmental investments for lands that cannot be returned.
• Expedited Boundary Resolutions: Immediate prioritization of inter-state boundary disputes to safeguard the Jaintia community’s rightful claims.
• Community-Focused Development Initiatives: Investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare for affected regions.
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On economic revival, the JNC stressed the importance of small-scale mining, historically a key livelihood source. The blanket ban on mining has caused widespread distress, though the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling (Civil Appeal No. 10720) affirmed tribal communities’ rights over land and mineral resources, opening pathways for regulated and sustainable mining.
The council proposed:
• Framing a New SOP: Allow small-scale mining to coexist with larger operations.
• Guidelines for Safe Mining: Ensure mining practices are scientific, safe, and environmentally sustainable.
• Environmental Safeguards: Implement strict monitoring to ensure compliance.
The Save Jaintia Mission envisions a future where socio-economic progress, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship coexist. The JNC has urged MP Dr. Ricky A.J. Syngkon to prioritize restitution or compensation for historically transferred lands and facilitate legal, sustainable small-scale mining operations to rejuvenate local livelihoods.