Adani land row erupts: Dima Hasao DC’s U-turn sparks fury, IPP and former CEM demand accountability

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 24, 2025

The controversy over the proposed allotment of 9,000 bighas of land to the Adani Group for a cement plant in Umrangso has intensified, as Dima Hasao District Commissioner Simanta Kumar Das backtracked from the issue, stating that land matters fall outside his jurisdiction. His statement has triggered a political and public backlash, with tribal leaders accusing the administration of complicity in unconstitutional land grabs.

The row began after the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) issued a formal notice demanding an Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days from the DC. The notice followed a petition by the Indigenous Peoples Party (IPP), which alleged that the land deal violates Sixth Schedule protections and threatens to displace more than 14,000 families from Karbi, Dimasa, Naga, and Adivasi communities.

In his response, the DC clarified that Dima Hasao, being an autonomous district under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, vests land, forest, and revenue powers solely with the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC). He asserted that his office has no statutory authority over land allocation in the district. However, this sudden disclaimer of responsibility has drawn sharp criticism. Former MLA and ex-CEM Samarjit Haflongbar accused the DC of previously interfering in council matters without proper authority. “The same DC who chaired land acquisition meetings a few months ago is now washing his hands of the issue. His earlier intervention was a blatant overreach into Council jurisdiction,” Haflongbar said.

He also aimed at NCHAC leadership, calling it “politically immature and incompetent” for allowing such interference and failing to protect tribal lands. Haflongbar demanded the resignation of CEM Debolal Gorlosa, accusing him of surrendering council autonomy to directives from national political parties and enabling outsiders to exploit tribal land.

Calling for structural reform, Haflongbar proposed that the Council pass a resolution barring national political parties from contesting in Autonomous Council elections—drawing parallels with similar moves in Karbi Anglong. “The objectives of the Sixth Schedule have been rendered meaningless by political submission and land grabbing,” he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, IPP chief convener Raajen Timung questioned the DC’s earlier role in land acquisition meetings with senior officials, including the SP. “If the land is not under his jurisdiction, why did he actively push for its acquisition?” Timung asked. He said the DC cannot evade responsibility and must formally apologize to the NCST.

The disputed land—about 2,400 hectares of khas land—was reportedly earmarked by NCHAC for transfer to the Adani Group to build what is touted as Asia’s largest cement plant. Locals allege the move was made without public consultation or consent, violating constitutional safeguards for tribal land.

The NCST, citing a lack of response to its earlier notice dated March 7, 2024, has warned that failure to comply could lead to summons under Article 338A of the Constitution, as the commission holds powers equivalent to a civil court.