Guwahati: Meghalaya BJP Vice President and Tura MDC Bernard Marak has urged the State government to cease all activities on tribal lands in Garo Hills, citing unconstitutional actions.
In a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, Marak emphasized that the lands are sacred, as their fathers died protecting them.
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Marak referenced a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on May 20, 2022, regarding B-Mahal land, alleging a conspiracy to sell 5,000 hectares to MTDC and MIDC.
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He questioned the Deputy Commissioner’s authority to conduct a joint survey, highlighting that the GHADC EM in charge of Land was unaware of it.
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Marak criticized the Deputy Commissioner’s clarification on land digitization as misleading, stating that the State is not the implementing agency, but rather the Project Monitoring Unit (PMU).
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He demanded to know under which law the order was issued and who authorized the survey.
Marak reminded that B-Mahal was merged with Garo Hills during British rule to protect it from non-tribal intrusion, and it was brought under the Sixth Schedule to safeguard Hill Tribals’ interests.
The land was entrusted to GHADC to prevent encroachment by non-tribals, including the State Government.
The BJP leader cautioned that the people will not hesitate to fight for their land, emphasizing the need to let them live in peace.