VPP demands Govt to stop all land acquisition

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 13, 2025

Opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) Ardent M Basaiawmoit on Thursday demanded the state government to stop all kinds of land acquisition in the state.

Before withdrawing the amendment to the proposed Meghalaya State Investment Promotion & Facilitation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Basaiawmoit said, “I request the Chief Minister to stop all kinds of land.”

He was referring to the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation Limited (MIDC)’s decision to float an expression of interest (EOI) for acquisition of 300 acres of land for setting up of industrial estates in Ri Bhoi. “Where is the need for MIDC to acquire this much land? We are not against investment, we are not against the intention of the government to further the growth of the state but we want to ensure that land should stay with us,” Basaiawmoit said adding “So, how do you ensure that these land banks that the government have been acquired will stay with a local people.”

In his reply, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said he cannot give such assurance in the House that all acquisition of land shall stop.

“This is because all land acquisition for roads and other (projects) are being done as per law. Today for me to say all acquisition of land shall stop, that assurance cannot be given in the House because that (demand) is beyond the amendment we are bringing today,” he said while assuring that the Meghalaya Investment Promotion Authority (MIPA) will not engage in the creation of land banks.