11 localities were surveyed sans knowledge or consent of the Akhing Nokma and the concerned authorities. The action bypassed the mandated Council procedures and violated established jurisdictional protocol
Tura, July 3: Tura MDC, Bernard Marak, through a letter to the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Revenue has sought joint survey and clarification of lands that have been designated as GAD lands in the town of Tura.
The request comes in the wake of a survey conducted by the district administration and the GHADC and was recently undertaken. Marak also requested a certified copy of the details of the survey.
“I have been informed that 11 localities were surveyed without the knowledge or consent of the Akhing Nokma and the concerned authorities. Furthermore, this survey was countersigned – without official authorization – by two GHADC officials: supervisor Kanungo, Land Reform Branch, GHADC and Supervisor Kanungo, GHADC,” said Bernard in his letter.
He asserted that the action bypassed the mandated Council procedures and violated established jurisdictional protocol.
He also referred to the letter by the GHADC Secretary (Letter No. GHADC-RS/Misc/2015-16/45/1130, dated Tura, 13 Jan, 2025), which he said clearly requested for the production of relevant patta/ownership and land acquisition documents by the administration.
“These were to facilitate GHADC’s classification of the said land in accordance with law. To date, no such documents have been received. Instead, an unofficial list of 11 localities has been circulated by your office – without due process or official acquisition – which I deem both illegal and unconstitutional,” the BJP MDC alleged.
“The Government Gazette records omit Plot “J”, which is visibly marked in the official map. This omission supports the GHADC Executive Member’s crucial role in the 1975 land survey which proves unlawful occupation of land and manipulation. The Gazette’s final paragraph outlines the lease conditions set by the Nokmas and GHADC when 746 and 300 bighas were requisitioned, stipulating that Awil fees and land revenue were to be paid to the Nokmas via GHADC. This has not occurred since 1977 – 78, despite the matter being upheld in a legal case won by the concerned Nokma represented by Late P.A. Sangma,” stated Bernard.
He further alleged that only the requisition amount was ever disbursed – no formal acquisition or lease payment has been executed to date, as evidenced by RTI records while asking the officer to violate the Court order.
He took the example of Leper Colony and Rongka Chiring which was pending in the revenue Court but was still illegally intruded upon.
Further, I draw your attention to the Meghalaya Public Premises (Eviction of
The MDC has now sought that the department immediately furnish the report of the joint survey conducted, provide all documents relating to legal ownership, patta, acquisition, or lease and to cease further administrative action on these lands until proper legal agreements and customary processes are followed.