Name in 1965’s voter list made compulsory for buying land in Cachar

The name in 1965’s voter list has been made compulsory for buying land in Cachar district in a circular issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar on 29th December, 2022. Though Clause 6 of Assam Accord is yet to be implemented legally still many believe that this notice mirrors Clause 6.

In the circular, the Deputy Commissioner has issued a checklist with a number of documents required for buying and selling of land in Cachar district. The required documents include : 1) Affix court fee on application 2) Passport size photograph of Buyer and Seller 3) Declaration of consideration. In case of Flat value of both Flat area and apportionment of land 4) Up-to-date Land Revenue Receipt (Khajana Rashid) 5) Citizenship of purchaser (Certified copy of Voter list / Passport etc.) 6) Land Patta (if available 7) Affidavit of Buyer and Seller of Power of Attorney Holder 8) Photo ID of Buyer and Seller 9) Power of Attorney Copy (if the Seller is a Attorney Holder) 10) Pattadar to submit affidavit in favour of POA holder 11) NOC of Co-Partner in Case of Flat 12) NOC from Co-Pattadar 13) GMC/GMDA/Municipality/Town Committee/Development Authority receipt in Case of Land 14) PAN Card of Buyer and Seller 15) Land Holding Certificate 16) Trace Map 17) Non Encumbrance Certificate 18) Occupancy Certificate in Case of Flat.

While all these documents are considered standard for buying and selling of land what stood out from the rest was the last 19th point, where it has been mentioned that the 1965 Voter Certified Copy of the prospective land buyer is mandatory.

The question looming among the civil society of Barak Valley at large is why 1965 is selected as cut off year for buying of land in Cachar when NRC has already been implemented based on 1971. Many are wondering whether it is a ploy to coerce Bengalis of Barak Valley to sell their land to people of other regions in Assam.

At the same time, Bengalis are seeing the mirror reflection of Clause 6 of Assam Accord in this new circular issued by the Deputy Commissioner which states “Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.”