Land acquisition crisis stares in the face of government in Hezamara block, Tehshildar ‘gheraoed’

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, November 29, 2025

Mounting tension has been reported from Baikunthapur and Chandpur Tehshil area under Hezamara block in Mohanpur subdivision following a notice served on 27 families by the revenue department for demarcation of a large plot of 72 acres of government or ‘Khas’ land . Altogether 27 tribal families have been in possession of the land over the past eighty years according to claims made by the families. The land is also being used for cultivation of various crops and is a source of sustenance for the families.

Shortly after notices for demarcation of the land had been served yesterday the women members of the families came out in protest against the move on the ground that by being in possession of the land for such a long time they can not be displaced from it by law as long possession also bestows a right on the occupants of the land . Besides, the women said that the attempted demarcation of the land is only a first step towards evicting them, They pointed out that in areas under 5th or 7th schedule steps by the government for restoration of land preceded by eviction requires opinion of those sought to be evicted or dispossessed.

As a mark of protest the male and female members of the 27 tribal families likely to be adversely affected by the move for demarcation by the revenue department today ‘gheraoed’ the local Tehshildar and demanded an explanation but the Tehshildar said that he had nothing to do in the matter as he is only acting upon orders from higher echelons of the administration and avolded trouble . The family members stated that they are making a living out of cultivation of the land for producing fruits and vegetables.

Sources from Hezamara block said that the move for demarcation of the land is part of a process of preparing a land map in the state by the government and not for eviction or displacement. But there are indications that if the government persists in its attempt the matter is likely to snowball into a major issue as the regional parties, specially the Tipra Motha always waits for such an opportunity to pounce upon and make it an ethnic issue between tribals and Bengalis. The 27 tribal families have however decided to stop the attempt at demarcation of the land.

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