Jamshedpur, July 04: The newly formed Jharkhand Front today said it would oppose the decision of Chief Minister Arjun Munda to grant ownership of land to the residents of 86 bustees came up on encroached Tisco land in the city. Talking to newsmen here today, Jharkhand Front convenor Salkhan Murmu said the decision was taken by the Chief Minister ignoring the interest of adivasis-moolvasis, who were displaced from their own land.

Besides, the decision would be in violation of Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act as the land on which the 86 bustees have come up belonged to adivasis-moolvasis, Murmu claimed, and added that several tribal families had land documents. Demanding restoration of the tribal land before granting ownership right to residents of these 86 slum areas, Murmu asked why the government was not prepared to grant ownership of land to tribals settled on forest land in the state for decades.

He alleged that the chief minister was only interested in consolidating his vote bank by legalising illegal settlers, Murmu said.

Murmu threatened that JF would launch agitation against the government's 'anti-tribal' move and demanded to implement the Chhotanagpur and Santhal Paragana Tenancy Acts strictly in the state. The Jharkhand Chief Minister had announced here on Tuesday that the government would grant land ownership right to residents of 86 bustees in the city here.

Bureau Report