Moreh land sold to AR was sans the consent of competent Department
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 09 2013: The sale of 160 acres of land to Assam Rifles at Rs 60 lakhs near Kondong Lairembi complex, adjoining Moreh town was given approval by the Hills Department which is not the competent authority.

It is reported that Revenue Department has rolled up its sleeves to take up necessary action in consultation with the Law Department.

The said area was already surveyed by the State Government and categorised as khasland.

Regarding the shady land deal, an official meeting was held a few days back with Revenue Minister Th Debendra in the chair.

During the meeting, AR authorities produced documents claiming that the land deal was actuated with due approval of the Hills Department, informed a highly placed source.

However, Revenue Department, being the owner of the land, has decided to take up necessary action in consultation with Law Department.

The fence around the disputed land

It is reported that one Assistant Survey and Settlement Officer is involved in the controversial land deal in addition to one village headman.

The shady land deal made in 2005 came to light when Police Department asked the State Government to allot the plot to them which was soon followed by an application from Assam Rifles demanding that the same plot be transferred in their name.

Police Department has been contending that the said plot listed under Sheet No 11 should be allotted to them.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister O Ibobi today presided a meeting where the issue of shifting KYKL (MDF) surrenderees from the Chan-del post of 20 Assam Rifles to Kheba Ching, Khongjom AR post was discussed.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, DGP, IG AR (South) and Home Department officials.

During the meeting, IG AR (South) gave assurance to the effect that the UG surrenderees would be housed in the Chandel AR post for some more period.

The meeting further resolved that police and Assam Rifles would make a joint inspection of the area where the surrendered KYKL(MDF) cadres are being housed.

Authorities would also listen to any complaint of inconvenience caused by presence of the surrendered UG cadres in the area.

Notably, people of Khongjom and surrounding areas have been protesting against the authorities' plan to shift the surrendered UG cadres from Chandel to Khongjom.