DC Dima Hasao Distances Office from Tribal Land Grab Allegations

Following allegations of forceful tribal land acquisition for the construction of a cement factory in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, the Office of the District Commissioner has officially clarified that it holds no jurisdiction over the matter. In a letter addressed to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), District Commissioner Simanta Kumar Das (ACS) stated that land, forest, and revenue administration in Dima Hasao fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), as per the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Referring to NCST’s earlier letter dated March 7, 2025, the DC emphasized that land acquisition decisions lie solely within the legislative and executive domain of the NCHAC. Citing this constitutional limitation, the DC noted that his office does not possess the statutory authority to intervene in such matters. Accordingly, the NCST’s correspondence was forwarded to the Principal Secretary (Normal) of the NCHAC on April 25, 2025, under file number eCF No. 34730/2025/169. However, no response or action taken report has been received from the Council to date.

In light of this, the DC has requested the NCST to formally recognise the Principal Secretary of NCHAC as the competent authority to handle the matter. He has also sought exemption for his office from further proceedings, reiterating that the District Commissioner has no legal role or involvement in land acquisition processes within Sixth Schedule areas.

The letter highlights the complex administrative dynamics in Sixth Schedule regions like Dima Hasao, where autonomous councils exercise broad control over land governance but often remain beyond the immediate oversight of central or state authorities. While the district administration has clearly defined its jurisdictional boundaries, the continued silence of the NCHAC in the face of serious land grab allegations raises pressing concerns about transparency and accountability within constitutionally protected tribal regions.

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