SHILLONG: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has launched a strong criticism against Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma over the controversial issuance of land pattas in Danakgre, West Garo Hills, alleging violations of customary land rights and potential contempt of court.
The party’s reaction follows the filing of an FIR by the Nokma of Danakgre Akhing against the Chief Minister, the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, and other senior officials in connection with the matter.
Addressing the media, VPP spokesperson A. W. Rani accused the Chief Minister and government officials of disregarding judicial processes, claiming that land pattas were issued despite the issue being sub judice before the Meghalaya High Court.
“Even if there is no stay order, out of respect for the law the government should have waited for the court’s final verdict. This raises serious concerns about contempt of court,” Rani said.
The VPP also argued that the government’s action undermines the traditional Noknaship and Akhing system, which forms the foundation of land ownership and customary governance among the Garo community.
Rani questioned the transparency of the government’s actions and raised several concerns regarding the process through which the land was allegedly declared as state land.
Among the questions raised by the party were — If the land is government property, when and how was it acquired? Whether the rightful landowners were compensated under the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 or the earlier 1894 Act? Whether the move was an administrative decision or politically motivated, particularly with the GHADC elections approaching?
The VPP maintained that land in the region is deeply tied to identity, culture and community governance, particularly in areas governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
“Land is not merely an economic asset; it represents our identity and heritage. In Sixth Schedule areas, the government cannot act arbitrarily without respecting traditional landholding systems,” Rani said.
The party also stated that it would work closely with traditional leaders to verify the facts surrounding the case.
With the matter now involving both an FIR and proceedings in the Meghalaya High Court, the controversy has intensified political debate in the state, with the government facing calls to clarify how land described as community land allegedly came to be treated as government land.
