Gandey, Giridih: A land dispute in Bhatupur village under Jamjori Panchayat of Gandey has triggered concern among the local Santal community, with villagers alleging attempts to transfer land traditionally associated with their place of worship, community gatherings and public activities.
The villagers claim that the land surrounding their traditional worship site has been collectively used by the community for several generations. A portion of the adjoining land, described by residents as gair mazarua (government land), has also long served as a playground and venue for fairs and other community events.
The controversy arose after villagers came to know about alleged attempts to facilitate the sale or transfer of portions of the land through questionable documents. Local residents have demanded a thorough verification of the land records and immediate administrative intervention to prevent any transaction until its legal status and traditional use are established.
Sources familiar with the matter said the villagers suspect that the issue may not be limited to outside land operators. They allege that some local individuals could also be involved in facilitating the proposed transactions and may have links with persons interested in acquiring the land.
These allegations, however, require verification by the competent authorities.
For the villagers, the dispute goes beyond ownership of a particular piece of land. They maintain that the site has remained connected with the religious, cultural and social life of the Santal community for generations and that its character should not be altered through private transactions.
They have also expressed concern that any unlawful transfer of traditionally used community land or government land could have wider social consequences. According to them, such transfers could gradually affect the demographic character of the area, besides weakening the community’s traditional access to its religious and cultural spaces.
At a meeting held on Sunday, villagers collectively opposed any attempt to sell or transfer the traditional worship site or the adjoining government land.
The Pil Pargana Ramesh Murmu , Tolhat Pargana Logen Hembram, villager Chand soren and others said the community would strongly resist any attempt to unlawfully change the nature or ownership of the land.
The others villagers said that if their concerns are ignored and attempts to transfer the land continue, they may resort to democratic agitation to protect the site.
They have urged the authorities to ensure that no registration, mutation or other transfer-related process is allowed on the basis of disputed documents.
Residents said timely intervention by the administration is essential not only to prevent any potentially illegal land transaction but also to safeguard a place closely connected with the cultural and religious identity of the Santal community.
The allegations regarding the proposed land transactions and the involvement of local individuals have not yet been independently established. An official examination of the land records and circumstances surrounding the alleged transactions is expected to provide greater clarity.
