The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) today blasted fellow regional parties the UDP and HSPDP for not opposed the plan to amend the rules regarding leasing of land to private corporations for development projects.
The United Democratic Party (UDP) and Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) are members of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government. KHNAM, an opposition party with no legislators, has added its name to a list of pressure groups and other organisations that are fearful that the amendment will all but allow non-tribals to purchase land in Meghalaya, something which is heavily restricted under the Land Transfer Act.
Although the amendment does not allow for the purchase of government-owned land by private companies, it doubles the lease period available to 60 years, with an option for further extension. This is, the government says, to make investment in long-term development projects more appealing to private players. However, those opposed opine that this is ownership by the backdoor.
“KHNAM strongly demands that the said decision be revoked immediately,” party leader Thomas Passah said. “In the name of development we cannot put our rights over our land and our existence at stake.”
He also said that the amendment has been crafted to allow non-tribals from outside the state to effectively buy land.
He also criticised regional parties in the state for not opposing such a decision.
“It is surprising that regional parties like the UDP, HSPDP and others agree to such hazardous decisions. We urge other political parties and organisations to jointly support the demand to revoke such decisions,” Passah added.
