From Our Correspondent
TURA, May 7: Amanche Marak, daughter of the Danakgre Nokma, has formally objected to the district administration convening meetings and attempting to issue land titles (Assam Schedule pattas) for areas she claims are ancestral clan lands.
In a complaint addressed to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of West Garo Hills, Marak highlighted that the matter is currently sub judice under Writ Petition (C) No. 671 of 2025 before the High Court of Meghalaya. Both the DC and the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) are named as respondents in the case. “Despite the matter being sub judice, your office is reportedly pressuring residents to pay large sums for Assam Schedule pattas,” the complaint stated. Marak argued that in Sixth Schedule areas, land remains under the custody of the Nokma on behalf of the clan. She questioned the government’s authority to collect revenue or issue titles on land that has neither been acquired nor compensated for.
The complaint further challenged the legality of the state government’s actions, asking under which provision residents are being compelled to accept pattas that Marak describes as unconstitutional in a Scheduled Area.
Marak also raised concerns regarding local Development Committees. She claimed these bodies, registered under general state laws, are functioning without the consent or No Objection Certificates (NOCs) of the Nokma. She emphasised that these committees are mandated only for developmental works and have no jurisdiction over land administration or traditional governance.
“You were requested not to involve them in matters of land and traditional governance, but you keep pressuring the poor residents through the leaders of the Development Committees,” the complaint added.
Marak urged the administration to respect the rights of the Nokma and refrain from forcing residents to accept pattas or make payments while the legal proceedings are ongoing. The complaint was submitted on May 5.
