By L A Adithya
Inter-religious exchange, purchase, or transfer of land to undergo heavy police scrutiny, declares Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, emphasizing that these land transfers between persons from different and distinct religions have to be done and handled very carefully in a sensitive state like Assam. This hints at the ever-polarizing gap between religious groups and communities that are not ideal in any way.
He mandates the involvement of higher authorities and the state government to perform rigorous examination of the land transfer proposals to prevent any commotion and tension that might insinuate disharmony in the state or nation.
The Special Branch of Assam Police will examine and look for, in the proposal, any kind of coercion, illegality, and threat to national security. The District Commissioner will have the final verdict as to the proposed land transfer or purchase requests after undergoing critical processes in determining the validity and factors surrounding the land in question.
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was put forth, which was approved by the Assam Cabinet for these land transfers between different religious groups. According to the SOP, the source of the funds will be assessed, the purchasers’ financial backing and background will be investigated, and whether or not the surrounding inhabitants have any objections as to the purchase shall be checked.
The CM also reiterated that NGOs from other states looking to purchase land in Assam to set up educational or health institutions will be investigated thoroughly, whereas NGOs from within the state making a purchase of land are not subject to such examinations.
Several NGOs from Kerala have already purchased lands in Assam, and Mr. Sarma seeks to prevent more of that from happening.
This is yet another ‘statement’ decision from the Assam government to promote indigenous land ownership.