Syiem of Raid Marwet under scanner
BARIDUA: Succumbing to the pressure from the NGOs, Syiem of Raid Marwet Ken Syiem on Wednesday, cancelled the no objection certificate (NOC) and land documents issued by him to Ratna Thapa Gogoi (a non tribal person) as it was in gross violation of the Meghalaya Lands Transfer Acts.
Mentionably, Ratna Gogoi Thapa purchased a plot of land from Basanti Sohpdang at Baridua under Khanapara PS and sought the NOC and the lands pattas from the Syiem of Raid Marwet who readily issued both the documents.
On receipt of information of such acts by the Syiem of Raid Marwet, the NGOs comprising the FKJGP Baridua Circle, Nongpoh Circle and Byrnihat Circle, the CSWO (Irene), the HANM Northern Border Areas and the CORP Central Body lodged a complaint with the KHADC against Syiem.
Acting on the complaint, the KHADC deputed Inspector of Mines C Marwein conducted a spot inspection on Wednesday along with Ken Syiem, Ioannis Narleng (Rangbah Shnong of Bardiua) and leaders of the three NGOs.
The inspection teams detected irregularities committed by Ken Syiem in regard to issue of NOC and lands pattas to Thapa.
Realizing his shortcoming, Ken Syiem cancelled the NOC and the land pattas of Thapa on the spot.
The three NGOs and the Dorbar Shnong Baridua also alleged that the Syiem of Raid Marwet has sold the graveyard, lands used for religious purposes and markets to non tribal persons or by tribal people who indulged in benami practices.
They demanded an enquiry from the KHADC and also asked for suspension of Syiem from the Syiemship of Raid Marwet till completion of the enquiry.
Meanwhile, Rana Thapa, husband of Ratna Thapa Gogoi threatened Ioannis Narleng with dire consequences prior to the land inspection. Narleng lodged a complaint at Khanapara PS.