HT Bureau
DIPHU, June 3: The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) on Wednesday held a meeting with representatives of a group demanding eviction of alleged encroachers from Protected Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) land in Kheroni, West Karbi Anglong.
The meeting was held at the conference hall of the KAAC Secretariat and chaired by Chief Executive Member (CEM) and MLA Tuliram Ronghang.
Related Posts:
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, agitator leader Angtong Engti Kathar said the discussion was convened following the submission of a fresh memorandum to the State government and the KAAC, seeking action on their longstanding demand for eviction of alleged encroachers from PGR/VGR land.
Kathar said the delegation had given the authorities a 15-day deadline to clarify whether they would honour their earlier commitment to carry out the eviction drive.
He stated that the eviction process had remained stalled as several families had approached the Gauhati High Court claiming ownership of the land and seeking legal protection against eviction.
According to him, the pending court case had been cited by the authorities as a reason for delaying action.
Kathar, however, claimed that the High Court has since disposed of the matter and directed the petitioners to submit their land documents before the competent land revenue authorities within 30 days to establish their claims.
He maintained that failure to produce valid documents would leave the matter open for action by the concerned authorities.
He further alleged that the KAAC had already issued an order on May 9 directing the concerned individuals to furnish valid land documents before the Assistant Revenue Officer (ARO).
In view of these developments, he asserted that there were no longer any legal hurdles to the eviction process and urged the authorities to initiate immediate action.
Appealing for unity among supporters, Kathar urged people not to indulge in blame games and called for the movement to continue peacefully until the demand is fulfilled.
Among those present at the meeting were Angtong Engti Kathar, Litsong Rongphar, Robindro Rongpi and several other leaders of the movement.
Meanwhile, a group of protesters staged a demonstration outside the KAAC Secretariat, demanding immediate eviction of alleged encroachers from the PGR/VGR land in Kheroni.
