SHILLONG: An A.king land in East Garo Hills, which is equally shared by two clans, has become the centre of government activities in violation to the order of the High Court to maintain status quo.
Rongrekgre A.king, whose land rights is shared by Raksam and Rongmutu clans, is under the jurisdiction of two Nokmas identified as Aban Momin (Raksam Mahari) and Nerenjing R. Sangma (Rongmutu Mahari).
The GHADC had also acknowledged the land rights and their joint ownership and for any activity in Rongrekgre, the consent of both Nokmas is required.
However, as per the complaint of Nokma Nerenjing R. Sangma representing Rongmutu Mahari, it was without the consent of Rongmutu Mahari that the Raksam Mahari represented by its Nokma Aban Momin had agreed for a government project on 10 hectares of land for planting oranges and cardamom.
Besides lodging an FIR with the officer in charge of Williamnagar police station, Rongmutu Mahari had also sent letters to the East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner and GHADC Executive Member in charge revenue seeking action. The police, district administration and the GHADC, however, are yet to act on the matter.
A resident of Rongrekgre alleged that the project was initiated by one Jonathan N. Sangma and added that earlier on January 9, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had visited the area.
Neither Jonathon nor the Chief Minister was available for comments.
The affected people had also written to the Chief Minister raising concerns over the violation of the joint land rights.
Earlier, after the land dispute cropped up, the case came up before the High Court of Meghalaya and as per the interim order on February 7, 2014, status quo should be maintained by both the Nokmas till the next order.
When contacted, East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner H.B Marak said he has no information about such developments and no one has intimated him about the matter.
