Nokma Files FIR Against Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma, Officials Over Alleged ‘Illegal’ Patta Distribution

TURA: The traditional Nokma (headman) of Danakgre Akhing, Enilla Ch Marak, along with her daughter Amanche Ch Marak, has lodged an FIR at Araimile Police Station in Tura, accusing Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, and several others of illegally distributing land pattas in an area under their traditional jurisdiction.

They filed the FIR on Thursday, alleging that the distribution violates ongoing judicial proceedings and infringes upon the customary and constitutional rights of traditional authorities under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

According to the complainants, a writ petition, WP (C) No. 671 of 2025, was filed in the Meghalaya High Court at Shillong last year, challenging the state government's actions in arbitrarily classifying parts of Danakgre Akhing as government land (GAD land) and settling it unlawfully.

Notices were issued to the respondents, including the Meghalaya government, the Deputy Commissioner, and the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), making the matter sub-judice.

Despite the pending case, the complainants stated that a list of residents, including plot numbers, land classifications, and rates, was circulated earlier this year for the allegedly unlawful government-claimed lands, they claimed. On February 11, 2026, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma personally distributed pattas to residents in the Nikwatgre locality, which falls within Danakgre Akhing.

The FIR claims that these pattas are being "forced" upon residents in exchange for substantial payments, even as the High Court case remains unresolved.

The complainants said that proceeding with the issuance and distribution of pattas during active judicial scrutiny constitutes contempt of court and a direct violation of the protected rights of traditional heads under the Sixth Schedule.

They demanded that an FIR be registered against Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Charming N Sangma (a candidate in the upcoming GHADC elections), JD Sangma (Chairman of the Tura Municipal Board), the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), as well as any other officials or leaders involved in initiating or facilitating the patta distribution.

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