The Save B-Mahal Movement Committee has accused the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council of selling B-Mahal lands to the State government without the consent of the citizens.
According to the committee chairman, Rimjen Ch Sangma land up to 5000 hectares was sold by the district could for the government to set up Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC).
“We have learnt from reliable sources and collected some strong evidence that the mahal lands have been sold off without the consent of the citizens,” Sangma said.
“It has come to our knowledge that certain portions and areas of the B-Mahal area which falls under North Garo hills and West Garo Hills are being compromised by the current NPP-led executive committee, an area of around 5000 hectares that has been discussed to be sold off in the exchange for Rs 58 crore has been received an advance from the State government,” he said.
Earlier, the GHADC had intended to sell off B Mahal lands to the Israel Agriculture Company and plans to construct a solar park along with GPS coordination in all B Mahal areas, which met with strong resistance from the people in West and North Garo Hills.
The opposition also led to the formation of the committee to save and protect the lands and tribal rights of citizens.
“We strongly oppose this arbitrary move and would like to apprise the people of Garo Hills that we have entrusted the GHADC to preserve, protect and look after the tribal lands of Garo hills but our lands have been sold,” the committee said, adding, “Land belongs to the citizens and the GHADC has no right to lease.”
