AJP Raises Concerns Over Proposed Land Law Amendments in Assam
AJP's Opposition to Land Law Changes
Guwahati, Jun 4: The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has expressed significant concerns regarding the proposed revisions to Assam's land and revenue laws, which have been in place for 139 years. The party warns that these amendments could undermine the land rights of the state's indigenous populations.
During a press briefing held at the party's headquarters on Zoo Road, AJP vice-president and former Chief Secretary of Assam, Chandra Kanta Das, criticized the state government for establishing a Land Administration Commission tasked with drafting new land policies without sufficient public engagement.
To formally voice their dissent, the AJP submitted a memorandum to the Chairman of the Land Administration Commission, calling for a thorough review of the proposed changes to protect the interests of Assam's indigenous communities.
Das accused the government of attempting to evade public oversight by discreetly publishing a notice on May 9 in a less visible section of a newspaper, thereby restricting citizen involvement in the legislative process.
A significant worry highlighted by the AJP is that the proposed changes may eliminate legal safeguards against the sale and purchase of land in tribal belts and block areas, which are crucial for protecting land ownership among marginalized groups.
“There are already instances of outsiders acquiring land in these protected regions under tribal names. If these belts are dismantled, the process of land mutation will commence, leading to the loss of ancestral land rights for indigenous people,” Das cautioned.
The party has urged the government to clarify which sections of the current laws will be amended and to extend the consultation period from one month to a minimum of three months to facilitate adequate public review and input.
“Assam is currently grappling with a land crisis. We need to reflect on our priorities—should we prioritize industries that consume vast amounts of land, or should we focus on safeguarding the livelihoods of our citizens?” he stated.
The AJP further emphasized that any proposed legislation should be developed through broad consensus and should represent the collective interests of the populace.
Shifting attention to the proposed semiconductor testing and assembly facility at Jagiroad, Das criticized the initiative for its limited scope and questioned its alignment with Assam's developmental requirements.
He noted that while the Jagiroad facility would only be responsible for testing, assembling, and packaging, the actual chip manufacturing operations are being established in Gujarat.
Das contended that rather than advocating for land-intensive industrial projects, the government should prioritize enhancing the agricultural sector, which he believes presents a more sustainable development approach for Assam.
“Investing in value-added agriculture—such as processing mustard or potatoes—can lead to genuine local development. Industries should only be pursued after securing the rights and livelihoods of our people. Land should not be forcibly taken from them,” he concluded.