Non-tribals can't buy lands in tribal blocks: Hagrama

KOKRAJHAR, Feb 26:  Amidst controversy and protest against the reported move to bar the non-tribal people from purchasing and transferring lands in Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD), the chief of Bodoland Territorial Council Hagrama Mohilary on Sunday firmly asserted that the non-tribal people cannot buy land in tribal belt and blocks as per laws and the current issue is an non-issue. 

Talking to reporters after the end of an executive body meeting of BTC on Monday, Mohilary said an officer of BTC recently tried to transfer land of BTAD to general people, which was illegal. A meeting in this regard was held in BTC on January 12 where the issue of attempt to transfer tribal land was discussed.

“The BTC has not made any new rule on purchase and transfer of lands at BTAD as reported in a section of the media. As per the existing rules or laws non-tribal or general people cannot buy land in protected tribal belts and blocks, not only in BTAD but also in entire Assam,” Mohilary said.

According to Mohilary said as per clauses of the BTC Accord signed in 2003, the general people cannot buy land in tribal belts and blocks. But the general or non tribal people can buy or transfer land only from general people who had been living in BTAD before the BTC Accord was signed. 

Mohilary expressed regret that the issue has been unnecessarily dragged by a section of quarters to give it a political colour.  He said there is no point  to politicize the issue as it has already been cleared by the law.

Meanwhile, Executive Member of Land and Land Revenue, BTC, Alindra Mushahary said a certain section of people were trying to put the blame for the current controversy on the BTC for rrow political game. He said one could clearly see the Clauses of BTC Accord regarding the land rights in BTC formed with tribal belts and blocks. 

Mushahary also said the use of words ‘Boro’ and ‘O Boro’ in some newspapers to create a new controversy was totally condemble and unparliamentarily as everybody knows that the non-tribal people cannot buy land in protected tribal belts and blocks in Assam. Politics must stop here, he said.  

On other hand Kokrajhar MP ba Sarania alleged that the development is the result of Mohilary’s attempt to abuse power to create division and rift among Bodos and non-Bodos in BTAD. He said if such attempt continues the non-Bodos will be forced to chant a new mantra of dividing BTAD 70:30. 

“The State Government must clarify the issue. If the BTC administration does not withdraw the decision to bar non tribals to buy and transfer lands at BTAD, the situation might worsen due to intensified agitation by non Bodos,” Sarania said.