after hm shahs instruction land transaction in border areas under watch

Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent two-day Tripura visit instructed the top officials of the state to keep track of the land transactions in the bordering areas of the state, especially, plots which are very close to the international borders. The primary intent behind the move was to ascertain whether there existed any pattern in the land transactions such as shift in demographic patterns, population density and other factors. Sources who are privy to the developments said that the actual motive was to identify those who are interested in the land close to the international borders. Bordering areas are generally less developed and there are certain barriers in carrying out development works due to the strict protocols, security reasons and mutual understanding between the countries that share the borders. Despite all these factors if people are buying land there could be some element of vested interest which is required to nipped at the bud. West Tripura district which shares a long border with Bangladesh, the administration has so far tracked 160 such transactions. “These are under tracking. Efforts are being made to see whether there exists any foul play,” said an official. In Sepahijala district also the administration is closely monitoring the land transactions. “If the transaction is beyond a certain value, pan cards and other documents are being sought. The Income Tax department is also intimated about the deals in such cases to investigate to trace the source of money,” said an official of the Sepahijala district. It has to be noted here that Sepahijala is considered to be one of the hotspots of cross-border smuggling. And, land investments in land are considered to be one of the safest options of converting the black money earned through unlawful means into legitimate assets. A proper surveillance mechanism is required to prevent such unlawful activities. Sources, however, said that ever after something was found the state did not have a proper mechanism to prevent such activities. In absence of a statutory authorisation, the administration would not be able to make any progress in this regard since right to property is a legal right and if administration takes any action it could be overturned through court ruling. “Any action without a proper statute could be declared arbitrary and void by the courts,” said a source. Meanwhile, Assam has already enacted a law in this regard. Suggestions had been forwarded for enactment of a similar law in the state to prevent suspicious land deals in the border areas.