In view of the proposed eviction drive to be carried out at Balijan ‘C’ Khan Basti by Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has sought the intervention of his Assam counterpart to protect the lives and properties of Naga residing in those areas, in keeping with social justice and sprit of good neighborly relations between the two States.
In a letter to Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rio said that Nagas residing along the borders, particularly Balijan ‘C’ Khan Basti had approached him regarding the eviction notice served by KAAC.
He said that Naga residents of Balijan ‘C’ Khan Basti had purchased land from the descendants of late Hazi Manigul Khan, who had established the village in 1910, and have constructed permanent residential and commercial buildings as well as Churches on the land which was under their lawful possession for the last many decades.
Rio said that majority of the residents were retired government employees, who have invested their life-long savings in constructing their buildings.
Besides being law-abiding citizens of KAAC and their names enrolled in electoral roll of ECI, Rio said and many were also availing welfare schemes such as ration card, job card and electricity provided by Assam government.
Rio said that carrying out eviction drive against them would be unfair and unjust. This would not only render them homeless and landless but would also leave them in great hardship and mental trauma and may also result in unrest and law and order problems, Rio stated.