Marak, who visited Garobadha area, said he was deeply perturbed to find that GHADC had altered the Mauza classification from Mauza II to Mauza VII, and issued lease pattas that appear to violate the Hill provisions and Customary Law
TURA, May 28: Tura MDC Bernard N Marak has raised serious concerns over land encroachment by Assam government and illegal settlements in Garobadha area of West Garo Hills and called for urgent action to address the issue.
In a letter to the Deputy CEM, in-charge of Land and Revenue, GHADC, Marak confirmed that Teporpara, Upper Teporpara, Balapara, Putimari, Teksali, Gandipara and other areas of Garobadha now fall under Assam by enclosing a GPS record of the area.
Marak, who visited the area on Tuesday following complaints from local residents, said he was deeply perturbed to find that GHADC had altered the Mauza classification from Mauza II to Mauza VII, and issued lease pattas that appear to violate the Hill provisions and Customary Law.
Furthermore, certain portions have been designated as A-Mahal without properly verifying the Assam-Meghalaya boundary, potentially disregarding the rightful claims of the indigenous caretakers he added.
In light of these alarming developments, Tura MDC has called for addressing the land encroachment issue by initiating discussions with Assam government to rectify the unauthorised occupation of tribal lands.
He asserted that the Mauza classification must be re-evaluated and ensure all lands remain under Hill Mauzas and entrusted to the traditional custodians or the Nokmas in accordance with customary laws.
He also called for immediate action against illegal settlers through issuance of appropriate notices to unauthorized occupants to safeguard the rights of indigenous population.
“Garoland is our right but what pride remains when we lose our own land?” the Tura MDC questioned and urged the Deputy CEM of GHADC to treat the matter with the utmost priority and take corrective steps to ensure protection of tribal lands and their rightful owners.