SHILLONG: The Social Organizations of Meghalaya against Land Alienation (SOMALA) has termed implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and enforcement of the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act 1971 as a ‘necessity’ and a ‘top priority’.
Stating that the proposed Tenancy Act is not a solution to the problem of influx in the State, SOMALA convener, W Anthony, said, “The inability of the State Government to safeguard and protect the land and identity of the indigenous people by reason of the Land Policy has caused indignation and exasperation to such an extent that the people find no way out but to demand for ILP.”
Anthony was of the view that the issue of influx should not have risen had the government implemented the Land Transfer Act, 1971, which has been kept in cold storage for reasons best known to the government.
“However, the government has taken care to implement the Land Transfer by enacting Section 4 (1) e and 4 (1) f enabling transfer of land to cement companies etc which have caused major influx,” he added.
Terming the enactment as ‘illegal’, Anthony said, “We cannot but surmise that the Tenancy Act is an extension of the Section 4 (1) e and 4 (1) f and along with the avenues of tenancy, the Act will cause more influx rather than stifle the influx.”