Begin typing your search above and press return to search.

BJP seeks new land rights Act

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Aug 7 � The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Assam Pradesh on Sunday called for formulation of a new land rights Act which will ensure that the indigenous communities in the State are not deprived and exploited.

Addressing mediapersons here, president of the BJP, Assam Pradesh Ranjit Dutta said that in view of land being rapidly transferred to a particular section having political clout and money, it had become necessary to frame a new land Act.

�The right to transfer land should be restricted to the indigenous communities only,� said Dutta insisting that the government also take immediate steps to reclaim 16 lakh bighas of fallow land and utilize it for agriculture purpose.

It needs to be mentioned here that the three-day meeting of the party on a host of issues concluded today with the adoption of several resolutions including one on land rights.

Dutta pointed out that land in Assam was being grabbed by one and all because of the indifference of the Congress government. He said that the government should show some determination in retrieving the land grabbed by its neighbours. �Sattra and Devalaya land has been encroached upon by the Bangladeshis due to the negligence of the government,� alleged Dutta.

On the other hand, Dutta said that the party would intensify its movement for NRC update, and made it clear that it would not blindly accept the 1971 voters list.

Dutta further said that the BJP was against harassment of Hindu refugees from Bangladesh.

The party has also adopted another resolution regarding flood and erosion and has called for dredging of the Brahmaputra, Barak and their tributaries as a step towards addressing the perennial problems. It has asked for a thorough and scientific check of all the embankments and their maintenance.

�We call upon the government to rehabilitate the people affected by flood,� said Dutta who could not resist adding satirically that the Brahmaputra Board should either be reformed or dissolved.

The party has reiterated its support to the demand for ST status by six communities and will hold a discussion in this regard in the days to come. The party has resolved to improve its image in the Panchayat elections and will intensify its membership drive.

Next Story