TURA, Oct 29: After an effigy of GHADC CEM Benedic R Marak was set ablaze by locals in West Garo Hills in protest against his alleged move to sell off B Mahal lands, the Council chief has clarified his stance on the issue.
In a statement issued on Friday, Marak informed that following the abolition of Zamindari Act, 1951, and the creation of Garo Hills District Council, the zamindars of A Mahal and B Mahal were paid compensation amounting to 13 lakh to acquire their estates.
“With the abolition of Zamindari Act, 1951, by the then Estate of Assam, an agreement was made with the Zamindars pertaining to the said areas and the land in question was vested with Garo Hills District Council, after its creation in 1952, for which compensation amounting to Rs 13 lakhs was paid to the Zamindars of B Mahal and A Mahal for acquiring of their Estates and the process of acquisition was completed in 1984-85. Official resolution was made in respect of settlement operation and enforcement of the provision of the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, 1886, after the acquisition of the Zamindari Land, B Mahal and A Mahal,” Marak said.
The GHADC CEM informed that he along with his executive committee and officers of the District Council will hold a public meeting in November to clear doubts pertaining to B Mahal areas of Garo Hills.
With regard to the proposed Meghalaya Police battalion camp and a solar park, Marak said that a proposal was made and subsequently passed by the GHADC Executive Committee with a resolve to bring development, safety and security to the people under his constituency.
