From Our Correspondent
TURA: Upset over the statement given by the former Power Minister of Meghalaya and present Assembly Speaker, AT Mondal regarding the delay in the Agia-Nangalbibra line, the owner of the land who had taken the matter to court, Alhaj Hussain Ali has stated that even though being the former Power Minister, AT Mondal has got the figures all wrong and has failed to mention as to why the matter was taken to court.
Quoting AT Mondal’s statement “the concerned person had demanded land compensation of Rs 79 lakhs which was unreasonable” Alhaj Hussain Ali clarified that he is seeking a compensation of Rs 84 lakhs which is not unreasonable.
Alhaj Hussain Ali who has already donated several of his properties for construction of roads and schools free of cost without any compensation for the sake of development in the past said, “I do not wish to hamper any developmental steps being taken by the Government however; the Government too should not bring loss upon me and my family”.
The land owner informed that the land which the Government is trying to acquire from him for the Agia-Nangalbibra line will divide his property into two parts as a result of which the value of this land and the rubber plantation on it would be affected.
“The plantation is one of my sources of livelihood and the location of this land adds to the value of the land” he said while adding that the property is located adjacent to the North Garo Hills District Headquarter and is about 200 meters from the Mendipathar railway station which in future has a potential of becoming a commercial hub.
Alhaj Hussain Ali said he was willing to give a section of the property free of cost if the Government would agree to construct the Agia-Nangalbibra line towards the boundary of his property which is not at all unreasonable and also revealed that a foundation for the Agia-Nagalbibra was already started near the boundary of the property but was abandoned.
“The land is important to me and I have my own dreams and plans for it. Why did the authorities abandon the foundation being constructed in my property towards the boundary” he said.
The land owner further informed that the land itself has got its value because of its location and on top of that the construction would destroy 220 rubber trees and 36 other trees besides dividing his property into two parts thereby reducing its value.
“I have always been supportive of any Governmental works which will benefit the people and I have donated properties for the sake of development but the Government has never been sincere in fulfilling the reasons for which I have made the donations” he said and also informed that on several occasions he has been pressurized by the Authorities of both Assam and Meghalaya.