From Our Correspondent
Tura, March 17: The Constitutional Rights Forum (CRF), Tura has expressed concern over the alleged illegal sale of land belonging to the indigenous people of the region by illegal immigrants from Assam and other places.
In their complaint to the GHADC Deputy CEM, who is also in charge of land and revenue, the forum stated that the illegal occupation and sale of land is ongoing in places like Balujhora under Babilgre Aking, Wadagokgre, Phulbari and Rajabala and its surrounding areas.
The forum told the GHADC CEM that they have received credible information that non-tribals are obtaining ID cards and documents, facilitating their illegal migration from Assam to Meghalaya.
In the complaint, they urged the deputy CEM to verify the details and take immediate action to prevent further illegal activities.
Further, they added that the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act, 1971, prohibits the transfer of land from tribals to non-tribals without prior sanction from the competent authority.
“The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution protects the rights of tribal communities over their land and resources. We request you to take immediate action to verify the authenticity of the ID cards and documents obtained by non-tribals,” they added.
The forum also asked for measures to prevent further illegal sales of tribal land to non-tribals while seeking action against those responsible for facilitating the illegal migration and land sale.
“There is also a need to ensure the protection of tribal land and resources as per the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act, 1971, and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and to investigate and prevent the sale of tribal land without the consent of the Nokma concerned A•king land.”