HT Bureau
DIPHU, June 9: Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang, visited Dudu Colony and Khan Basti at Lahorijan along the Assam-Nagaland inter-state boundary, where encroachers have started occupying the land afresh.
In January 2022, the Land and Revenue Department, KAAC, carried out an eviction drive to flush out illegal settlers from these areas. The areas are close to Dimapur town in Nagaland. It is seen that 236 families have constructed houses and are living on the land. Land and revenue sources said the area is more than 200 bighas.
Visiting the place, the CEM told those occupying the area that any settlers without valid documents or land pattas would be evicted. There were one or two people showing land documents to prove that they are genuine settlers, but CEM said the land documents have no KAAC approval.
The CEM said, “There is no use showing me these land documents as they have no KAAC approval. Encroachers surely will be evicted, as the law is equal for all. The high court has asked to wait for six weeks for the final verdict, and those found illegally occupying the area will be evicted.”
Later, informing media persons, the CEM said, “The KAAC has taken a decision to evict illegal settlers occupying the government land. KAAC has taken the decision to start development work here. There are 236 families who have constructed houses and are staying. After clearing the land of encroachers, fencing will be put around it.”
He also said there is a river, which is the natural boundary, and to protect the soil from erosion, boulder pitching will be done by the Water Resource Department. For revenue, a large godown will be constructed. The forest department will take up tree plantations.
The CEM said, “We have filed a court case in Gauhati High Court. We have examined and found that all the land documents have no KAAC approval. The high court has asked us to submit the papers, and within 6 weeks, a final verdict will be given. After the court verdict, those found illegal will be evicted.”
He also informed me that after clearing the land from encroachers, it will be used for developmental activities.
