HT Bureau
DIPHU, Nov 1: Controversies have emerged over the flagship programme Purthimi Akemang 2.0, initiated by the Land & Revenue Department of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) for free distribution of land pattas to indigenous communities in Assam’s sixth scheduled districts of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong. Opposition parties, including the All Party Hills Leaders Conference (APHLC), alleged that land pattas were given to non-scheduled tribes.
The programme, launched by the present BJP-led KAAC, aims to secure land rights for indigenous communities residing permanently in both Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong. Purthimi Akemang 1.0, launched in 2024, had already distributed more than 1 lakh land pattas. Purthimi Akemang 2.0 was launched on October 16, 2025, in Bithung-Rengthama MAC constituency and on October 30 at Dengkimo Aklam, Phuloni, under Phuloni Revenue Circle. Land pattas for Phuloni and Howraghat MAC constituencies were distributed by Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang, covering more than 1 lakh beneficiaries.
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Following the distribution, APHLC alleged that non-scheduled tribes in Rongkut under Phuloni MAC constituency received land pattas, contrary to the Sixth Schedule provisions. Protests and effigy burnings ensued.
In response, Secretary of KAAC’s Land & Revenue Department, Si-im Taro, clarified that the programme did not issue new pattas to non-scheduled tribes. Only one or two pattadars from general communities received pattas based on inheritance or previous ownership. “These individuals inherited land from their grandfathers or fathers, who were issued pattas by the erstwhile Karbi Anglong District Council in 1958, 1959, 1960 or 1992. Fresh pattas were prepared to transfer ownership to sons or grandsons,” Taro said.
He explained that pattas may be changed or reissued for four reasons. Firstly, mutation – transferring inherited land ownership to descendants. Secondly, conversion from annual to miadi pattas for homestead or commercial purposes. Thirdly, name correction or loss of patta – requiring surrender of the old patta and police verification in case of loss. Fourthly, partition of joint pattas – dividing family-owned pattas among individual members.
Assistant Settlement Officer Jojo Terang of Phuloni Revenue Circle confirmed that no new pattas were issued to non-scheduled tribes. He cited the example of Lokesh Nath, whose patta was transferred to his son Biplop Nath following his death. The KAAC emphasised that Purthimi Akemang 2.0 continues to secure land rights for indigenous communities and that all transfers were based on legitimate historical ownership or administrative corrections.
