Shillong: Villagers from Dagal Bolmedang in East Garo Hills want answers. Alongside Garo Hills Youth Solidarity president Endick Marak, they petitioned the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission to investigate a massive land transfer. They claim 114 hectares moved to the Forest Department illegally.
The seized property includes betel nut and broom gardens. These plants feed many local families. Residents say they never gave consent. They never received notice or a chance to object. The village only learned of the deal in January 2024 when the A•king Nokma announced the sale at a meeting.
Land surveyors measured the property without talking to the owners. The villagers submitted complaints to the GHADC and the Forest Department starting in 2025. Nobody did a thing. Records obtained through the Right to Information Act remain opaque.
The Williamnagar DFO filed an FIR against Marak to silence the movement. The residents view this as clear retaliation. "The complainants argued that this was an attempt to discourage them from seeking justice."
The petition cites Article 21 of the Constitution to protect their right to earn a living. They want the commission to audit all land records and No Objection Certificates. They also demand witness protection and a total halt to all work on the contested plots.
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