IPP demands NCHAC withdraw land deal with Adani, slams govt over tribal land grab

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 20, 2025

The Indigenous Peoples Party (IPP) has called on the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) to immediately cancel its land agreement with the Adani Group for setting up a cement plant in Umrangso, alleging it violates constitutional safeguards for tribal communities.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, IPP chief convenor Rajen Timung accused the NCHAC of illegally handing over 9,000 bighas of tribal land to the Adani Group, potentially displacing over 14,000 families from Karbi, Dimasa, Naga, and Adivasi communities. He demanded that NCHAC chief executive member (CEM) Debolal Gorlosa withdraw the allotment and offer a public apology to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).

On June 13, the NCST issued a formal notice to the Dima Hasao District Commissioner, seeking an Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days regarding the land transfer. This followed a complaint by the IPP. The NCST warned that failure to respond may result in the commission exercising its powers under Article 338A of the Constitution, including summons for personal appearance.

“Autonomous Councils under the Sixth Schedule are surrendering their authority to the state government. They are becoming rubber stamps,” Timung alleged, adding that land rights in Sixth Schedule areas are constitutionally protected and not under the jurisdiction of the state cabinet.

Timung also criticized recent land decisions involving other tribal areas. He cited instances where the Assam Cabinet handed over thousands of bighas to companies like Greenko and Adani in West Karbi Anglong and Kokrajhar, with the respective autonomous councils merely endorsing cabinet decisions.

He targeted Assam Cabinet Minister Nandita Gorlosa, asking why she supported the land transfer in her home district. “If you can’t defend tribal rights, you have no moral right to be a minister,” he said.

Timung accused the state of using tribal land as leverage for loans from the World Bank and other investors. “The BTC, NCHAC, and KAAC are enabling the state government to mortgage tribal land. Why can’t these councils negotiate directly with investors?” he asked.

The IPP, which recently blocked an ADB-backed solar project in Karbi Anglong, clarified that it supports development but opposes unlawful land transfers. Referring to a June 3 MoU signed with NRL on another project, Timung said, “We welcome development that respects council ownership. In that case, 70 jobs will be created, and the council will retain land rights and 42% profit share.”

He also pointed to growing dysfunction within the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), alleging financial mismanagement and centralization of power. “Only a few contractors are paid. Elected members aren’t handling files. The council is run like a private firm,” he said.

Timung concluded by calling out the silence of political parties and social organizations on the issue. “It’s time to defend the land and rights of tribal people. The government cannot treat these councils as tools for corporate deals.”