The Monggar Dzongkhag has asked about a hundred families, who have been living in government-owned land, to dismantle their houses by December, this year.
The directive comes after a circular from the National Land Commission. The circular from the National Land Commission says the gewogs and Dzongkhags are to strictly abide the Land Act 2007. The Land Act states encroachment of state-owned land is an offence of petty misdemeanor.
However, the directive comes as a rude awakening to the families who have been living in the government-owned land, some for decades.
Sonam Wangchuk from Lingmithang said he had availed loan from financial institutions thinking he wouldn’t have to pay rent. “If the government could defer until some of our land owners construct buildings in the town. We are ready to shift our shop if we get a house.”
|
|
|---|
As the date to dismantle their homes draw closer, some of them have not been able to comprehend why they have been asked to move away.
Abi Langamo cannot speak. She lives in Lingmithang with her 51-year-old husband Renag Wangchuk. The house they live in was built by one of their relatives.
“My wife told me she will live and die here,” said Renag Wangchuk. He said their gup assured that the gewog would construct a house for them. “But, she refuses to listen,” said Renag Wangchuk.
Many say, they are yet to decide what step to take next.
