From Our Correspondent
TURA, March 10: Former GHADC MDC from Kharkutta, Smith Momin, on Tuesday raised concerns over the growing number of illegal settlements on Nokma A’king lands in the Garo Hills, particularly in the plain belt areas.
“In many places, there are strong concerns that some of these settlements are occupied by illegal Bangladeshi settlers. This has created anxiety among local communities because these lands traditionally belong to the Nokma and the clans who have protected and managed them for generations. The Nokma A’king land is part of the traditional land system of the A’chik people. It is protected under customary law and also under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. When such land is occupied illegally, it not only violates the law but also weakens the traditional system that has existed for centuries,” Momin stated.
Pointing out that Meghalaya was created out of the identity, struggles and aspirations of indigenous tribals, Momin noted that the state exists today due to the sacrifices and efforts of their forefathers, rather than illegal Bangladeshi non-tribal settlers.
“Even today, the government that runs the state is formed with the support and mandate of the tribal communities of Meghalaya, not by a handful of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. The government has a moral responsibility to stand with the indigenous people and protect our land and traditional rights,” he added.
Citing the Assam government’s eviction drives against illegal Bangladeshi settlers in several areas, Momin urged the Meghalaya government to take similar measures where necessary, especially in the plain belt areas where the issue of illegal settlements frequently arises.
