SHILLONG, March 6: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Friday made a scathing attack on the state government after an FIR was lodged against Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and senior officials over alleged illegal issuance of land pattas in West Garo Hills.
VPP spokesperson Airpeace Rani said the party is deeply concerned over the allegations that pattas were distributed in areas falling under the traditional Akhing land despite the matter being under judicial scrutiny.
“This issue had already been raised during the recently concluded Budget Session. After seeing the news report regarding the filing of the FIR, we would once again like to express our serious concern,” Rani said.
He stated that the controversy appears to undermine the traditional system of landholding of the Garos, where land is held collectively under the customary authority of the Nokma.
According to the VPP, two serious violations appear to have been committed. “First is contempt of court. Even though there may not be a specific stay order, once the matter is before the court, the government should respect the judicial examination of the issue until the court gives clarity,” Rani said.
“The second is contempt of the customary practices of the people. Land in the Garo Hills belongs to the Akhing under the custodianship of the Nokma. Any claim that such land is government land becomes highly contentious, which is precisely why the matter is already before the court,” he added.
The VPP condemned what it termed as a disregard for the traditional landholding system and warned that such actions strike at the identity and rights of indigenous communities.
“Just because you are in power does not mean you can do anything and everything. This is nothing but an abuse of power,” Rani said.
While clarifying that the government can acquire land for public purposes, the VPP maintained that such acquisition must strictly follow legal provisions and consultation with local stakeholders.
Ranee asked whether due process under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 had been followed.
“We need to know when and how the land was acquired, whether compensation was paid, and whether the affected people were consulted. These facts need to be unravelled,” he said.
The VPP hinted that the timing of the alleged land distribution raises questions, especially with the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections approaching.
The VPP’s reaction comes after the Nokma of Danakgre Akhing, Enilla Ch. Marak, along with her daughter Amanche Ch. Marak, filed an FIR with the Araimile Police Station against the Chief Minister, Vibhor Aggarwal and others, alleging illegal distribution of pattas over land under the Akhing.
The complainants pointed out that the matter is pending before the High Court of Meghalaya. They had moved the court challenging the “arbitrary” classification of localities in Danakgre Akhing as government land.
According to the FIR, despite the case being sub-judice and notices having been issued to the respondents last year, a list of residents along with plot numbers, land classifications and rates relating to the disputed land was allegedly circulated earlier this year, triggering strong opposition from the traditional landholders.
