WILLIAMNAGAR, June 24: Residents of Dagal Bolmedang village in East Garo Hills, alongside Garo Hills Youth Solidarity (GHYS) president Endick Marak, have petitioned the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) seeking an independent probe into the alleged illegal transfer of 114 hectares of land to the Forest department.
The disputed land includes betel nut and broom gardens, which serve as the primary source of livelihood for numerous families. According to the complaint, the transfer to the Territorial Forest cepartment was conducted without informed consent, adequate notice, or the opportunity for villagers to raise objections.
The villagers claimed they only became aware of the transaction in January 2024, when the A•king Nokma reportedly announced at a meeting that the land had been sold. They further alleged that land measurements were carried out without consulting those whose plantations were affected.
The representation stated that despite multiple complaints submitted to the GHADC, the Forest Department, and other authorities between 2025 and 2026, no remedial action was taken. The complainants also raised concerns over a lack of transparency in responses obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The petition also highlighted alleged intimidation, specifically citing an FIR filed by the Williamnagar DFO against Endick Marak after he began assisting the villagers. The complainants argued that this was an attempt to discourage them from seeking justice.
Invoking the right to livelihood under Article 21 of the Constitution, the villagers have urged the MHRC to examine the legality of the NOCs, land records, and the conduct of involved officials. They have also requested protection for witnesses and a stay on any further activity on the disputed land pending the inquiry.
