Villagers cry foul over land acquisition for new township

From a Correspondent

SHILLONG, July 3: Villagers in and around Mawdiangdiang whose lands have  been acquired by the Meghalaya Government for developing a satellite township or the New Shillong Township have cried foul over the way lands were acquired from them.

According to the farmers one “outsider” Unikey Kharkongor, who does not own any land in the area sold their lands to the Government without their knowledge. One such land owner, John Kharkongor told reporters, “We have owned these lands since I can remember.”

He also said that he was surprized that Unikey stake her claim on the lands whereas she does not even know their exact boundary.

“We have owned these lands and know how much is ours and also have documents to stake our claim,” Kharkongor said.

Meanwhile, documents acquired under the Right to Information (RTI) showed that two persons Unikey Kharkongor and Nearly Kharkongor have registered a deed of declaration with the government on June 4, 1992 claiming that they are the joint owners of the landed property known as Mawier measuring 2,372 acres more or less located between Mawdiangdiang and Mawlong.

The RTI was filed by CSWO president, Agnes Kharshiing.