Guwahati: The Bodoland Janajati Suraksha Manch (BJSM) on Friday submitted a memorandum to the District Commissioner of Assam’s Chirang, demanding immediate verification of the residential status, land records and other relevant documents of 56 families allegedly occupying government khas land at Choraikonsra under Sidli Revenue Circle.
The organisation also sought immediate implementation of an eviction notice issued by the Circle Officer, Sidli Revenue Circle, on August 5, 2023, directing the 56 families to vacate the government land.
The memorandum was submitted in the presence of a large number of local youths from Choraikonsra, who expressed concern over the continued occupation of government land and the alleged failure to implement the eviction notice issued by the competent revenue authority.
BJSM working president Daorao Dekhreb Narzary pointed out that the Circle Officer, Sidli Revenue Circle, had issued the public eviction notice on August 5, 2023, vide Memo No. SLR.12/Encroachers/2012/1165.
Despite the passage of considerable time, the eviction order has reportedly not been effectively implemented.
BJSM urged the District Commissioner to take immediate and lawful action to enforce the eviction notice and restore the Government land from all persons found to be occupying it illegally.
The organisation also raised concerns over the ongoing Census/enumeration process. It maintained that the residential status and eligibility of persons occupying government land must be verified based on official records and applicable rules before any such person is recognised for purposes for which lawful residential status may be relevant.
BJSM said its demand was not against any particular community or individual, but against unlawful occupation of government land and any attempt to obtain official recognition or benefits through occupation that has not been legally regularised.
It maintained that Government land must be protected equally and impartially, irrespective of the identity of the occupants.
The organisation demanded immediate verification of the identity, residential status, land documents and other relevant records of all 56 families allegedly occupying government khas land at Choraikonsra.
It also sought proper scrutiny of their eligibility in the ongoing Census/enumeration, strictly in accordance with applicable rules and official records.
BJSM further demanded verification of residential certificates and other relevant documents wherever necessary before recognising any person as a lawful resident of the area.
It urged the authorities to ensure that illegal occupation of government land does not become a means of obtaining permanent residential recognition or other benefits contrary to law.
The organisation also called for the eviction of all persons found to be illegal encroachers from Government land, strictly following due process of law.
BJSM appealed to the District Administration to act promptly and transparently, stating that prolonged inaction despite an existing eviction notice can create unnecessary tension at the grassroots level and may encourage further encroachment upon government land.
The presence and participation of local youths from Choraikonsra during the submission of the memorandum reflected their concern over the protection of government land and proper implementation of the law.
BJSM hoped that the District Commissioner, Chirang, would take immediate and appropriate action in accordance with law and ensure that government land is protected from all forms of unauthorised occupation.