Leader of Opposition in Meghalaya, Mukul M. Sangma, has called for a government investigation into alleged benami transactions and illegal land occupations along the state’s border with Assam, particularly in Ri-Bhoi district, including areas such as Byrnihat and Jorabat. During an Assembly session, Sangma expressed concerns that such activities undermine protective land laws established to safeguard indigenous ownership. He highlighted the potential demographic, legal, and administrative ramifications of these practices and urged a review of whether the provisions of the Meghalaya Land Transfer Regulation Act are being misused. Sangma noted that this issue is not new and recalled instances from his tenure as Chief Minister when certain regions were temporarily exempted to address land governance challenges in border areas. He stressed that land alienation in strategic regions poses severe risks and called for enhanced enforcement, transparency, and accountability to uphold tribal land rights, urging the government to act decisively if any irregularities are discovered. In response, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Lahkmen Rymbui assured that the government is establishing land banks for development while adhering to legal procedures. He acknowledged the need for stronger coordination among the Benami Act, Land Transfer Act, and other regulations to effectively combat illegal land holdings, committing that the government will take stringent action against any illegal or benami transactions identified.
Mukul Sangma Demands Probe into Benami Land Deals in Meghalaya’s Border Areas
