TURA, Aug 9: Meghalaya Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mukul Sangma on Tuesday cast aspersions on NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government over various alleged irregularities and tall claims with regard to developmental projects in the state.
Speaking at the party meeting at Dadenggre in West Garo Hills, Mukul alleged that while customary laws and practices of the Garos entail the preservation of land, the MDA government, led by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, has been engaged in selling A’king lands under B-Mahal areas which solely belong to the people.
Recalling the history of the A’chik people and how they first settled in Garo Hills, Mukul said it was the practice of the A’chik forefathers to preserve land for their next generation.
Accused the chief minister of violating the age-old A’chik tradition and single-handedly deciding to transfer A’king lands, Mukul said, “The A’chik people have been known for leaving behind their lands for the future generation. But now we can see that the people’s lands are being sold without their knowledge and consent.”
Asserting that similar is the state in Khasi Hills too, the former chief minister said the GHADC does not own the A’king but is merely an institution which looks after the lands based on customary laws and practice of the A’chik forefathers, to ensure that illegal sale of land does not take place.