Shillong, April 19: Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) chief executive member, P.N. Syiem today discussed with a delegation of Coordination on International Border (CCIB) the issue related to construction of border fencing along the Indo-Bangla border.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Syiem said that during the meeting, matters pertaining to land acquisition and proper compensation that should be paid to the land owners were discussed by stressing the need that the border fence should be constructed from Zero Line not at 150 yards away from the Zero Line.
Syiem said that the areas where the KHADC should give its approval for land acquisition is from Nongjri to Mukortila.
The CEM however said that since most of the representatives from the border areas could not attend the meeting, the issue has been fixed to be discussed again on May 2 in Shillong.
He said that all village chiefs from the border areas have been requested to come along with the land owners and discuss the issue together in the next meeting.
According to the KHADC CEM, section 41 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, has stated that for acquisition of any land in Scheduled Areas, prior consent of the concerned Autonomous District Councils, should be obtained.
He said that matters related to land cannot be taken without the consent of land owners and the Council would not be in a hurry to decide on giving the land for the border fencing project.
Syiem also said that the meeting stressed that land compensation should be paid to land owners not only for the 11 metres acquired for the construction of road and border fence but compensation should be also paid for areas falling outside the fence.