The Meghalaya High Court will tomorrow hear the plea by Kmen Myrchiang and other landowners who are complaining about the erection of international border fencing in the Jaintia Hills sector of the Indo-Bangladesh border.
The grievances of the petitioners who are 147 in numbers is with regard to the proposed fencing which they contend is being proceeded without giving them an opportunity to represent. They also stated that their cultivable lands will be affected if the fencing is erected.
Recently, senior lawyer H L Shangreiso assisted by R Majaw, lawyer for the petitioners, has filed an additional affidavit in the High Court bringing on record certain developments with regard to the actions taken by the State government, in connection with the survey of land to be acquired.
It was alleged in the affidavit that no proper notice was served upon the land owners and that the survey was done forcefully. Shangreiso has further told the court that the petitioners have no grievances if the entire survey is conducted in accordance with law and in a peaceful manner.
On March 9, the High Court had ordered that whatever survey is being conducted, the same should be strictly in accordance with law, and steps should be taken to avoid any confrontation with the villagers.
The State government has issued notifications dated June 22, 2021 and December 20, 2021 under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 in respect of these areas where the fencing will come up.
