From a Correspondent.

SHILLONG, July 3: The Social Organizations of Meghalaya Against Land Alienation (SOMALA) has held the Government responsible for alienation of tribal lands.

“This large scale alienation of land belonging to the indigenous people is against the letter and spirit of the Sixth Schedule,” SOMALA Convener W Anthony told reporters here on Tuesday.

Concerned over the matter SOMALA has decided to send a letter to Manmohan Singh to apprise him of the illegal possession of land while by-passing the land transfer act 1971.

On the acquisition of land by the Government Mawdiangdiang for developing the New Shillong Township, the SOMALA expressed their distress at the kind of eagerness by the Meghalaya Government to acquire land of the indigenous people by way of procurement of loan.

“We hope that the allotment of land will not be against the letter and spirit of the Sixth Schedule”, Lyngdoh said.

He also said that the so called ‘government land’ are being allotted to the IAS officers instead of the poor who deserve the most.

Meanwhile, the SOMALA said that the indigenous tribals of the State are threatened by the enrollment of voters as per the guidelines of the election commission.

According to SOMALA Convener the guidelines allow enrollment of a person above 18 years who happens to be in Meghalaya even for a day or two.

“In such a situation a migrant armed with an EPIC will create a problem of settlement in Meghalaya”, Lyngdoh said.

Lyngdoh called for modification of the guidelines of the Election Commission in consonance with Meghalaya’s land and customary laws and practices.