The District Commissioner of Karbi Anglong Nirola Phangchopi, accompanied by the Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Saikia and officials from the Revenue Department, visited the Karbi Rong Barim village today to assess the aftermath of a destructive incident that unfolded early on November 19. This visit was prompted by reports of miscreants demolishing over 40 homes in the village, leading to heightened tensions among residents.
Karbi Rong Barim village, strategically located on the Karbi Anglong-Nagaland border, was established to protect the territory of Karbi Anglong from external encroachments. For years, hundreds of families have made their home in this area, fostering a tight-knit community. However, the recent demolition of houses has thrown this community into turmoil, prompting residents to seek assistance from various authorities in the wake of the incident.
Upon learning of the destructive actions, the District Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and Additional Revenue Officer (ARO) met with the villagers to gather information on the current situation. During their visit, officials urged residents to maintain peace and refrain from resorting to violence or taking the law into their own hands.
In an effort to clarify the legal complexities surrounding the land, a Revenue Department officer provided insight into the ongoing dispute. According to official records, the contested land is registered under the name of one Ghatak. However, two individuals, Amphu Engtipi and Pele Kheije, are currently engaged in a legal battle in the Guwahati High Court, seeking to assert their claims over this land. This legal ambiguity has contributed to the tensions in the area, as residents of Karbi Rong Barim have been accused of encroaching on land that is still legally owned by Ghatak.
It is essential to note that the Revenue Department clarified that neither Amphu Engtipi nor Pele Kheije holds rightful ownership of the land in question. Instead, the land is under the jurisdiction of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), which retains exclusive rights to allocate land as deemed appropriate.
