Shillong, June 21: The A.chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) has written to the Deputy Commissioner South West Garo Hills (SWGH) and GHADC Dy. Chief Executive Member (Dy. CEM) in-charge Land and Revenue, Nikman Ch Marak to check and stop illegal settlements by non-tribals in the sixth Schedule areas along the Assam – Meghalaya border.
In a letter by AHAM, south western zone, Ampati on June 17, 2021, the organization said there are large illegal settlements by migrants at Katuli, Ichakuri, Takunbari, Kalaichar, Doguripara, Lukhaichar, Bansali ,Tepolpara and have obtained dual voting rights in Meghalaya and Assam, respectively.
General Secretary of AHAM South Western zone, Ampati, Wester G. Sangma said the Nokmas and village committees have informed them of these settlements and dual voter IDS, especially in South West Garo Hills.
He said there are atleast 20 households that have settled illegally and without the consent of the Nokma in Ichakuri and Takunbari area and they do not have any documents to prove that they are permanent residents of Meghalaya.
Sangma also claimed that the non-tribal Muslim population in Takunbari has overtaken the tribal population.
In the letter, he urged the State government to take stern action against the illegal settlers and evict them promptly to protect and safeguard the indigenous people of South West Garo Hills.
