The Assam Cabinet has approved a Special Operating Procedure (SOP) to scrutinise land transfer applications involving buyers and sellers from different religions, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced. The move is aimed at ensuring that such transactions are thoroughly examined before final permission is granted. The SOP introduces an additional layer of checks in cases deemed sensitive for the state.
Under the new SOP, the Special Branch of Assam Police will investigate multiple aspects of these transactions. This includes checking for fraudulent or illegal activities, verifying the source of funds of the buyers, assessing the potential impact on the social fabric of the area, and considering any national security concerns. However, the CM clarified that if both parties involved in the land transfer belong to the same religion, the SOP will not apply.
The SOP will also extend to NGOs from outside Assam that intend to purchase land for educational or healthcare institutions. Sarma emphasised that given Assam’s sensitive socio-political context, land transactions must be approached with great caution to avoid risks to social harmony and security.
