The Gauhati High Court has stayed the eviction of Khasi-Pnar villagers from their land in Cachar district of Assam.
The order was passed by Justice Suman Shyam on a writ petition filed by Agatha Patwat, Hemli Suchiang and Jolna Mukhim who are the residents of Khasi villages in Damcherra area of Cachar district.
“Having regards to the facts and circumstances of the case, it is hereby provided that the petitioners shall not be evicted from the land in question until the next date fixed,” Justice Shyam said in an order passed on August 25.
The court also listed the matter for hearing on September 15.
It may be mentioned that the Cachar district administration conducted an eviction drive in three villages of Dabinalla, Durgacherra and Durbintilla, dominated by the Khasi-Pnar community to pave wave for construction of high voltage pillars by NEEPCO.
Betel nut plantations in the three villages were razed to the ground and all this was done without prior notice by the Forest Department that claims that the land fall under the Borail Wildlife Sanctuary.
Khasi Jaiñtia Development Council Chairman, Sebastien Pakyntein said the Khasi-Pnar community have been living in the three villages for centuries and appointments of headmen and headwomen were given since 1954.
