THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, May 3: Palamu district in Jharkhand is witnessing the rise of a new form of “land extremism,” reminiscent of the land-driven conflicts that fuelled Naxalism in the 1990s.
Land disputes were a major cause behind the spread of extremism in the region, with many individuals turning to violence after losing land to feudal or dominant groups or being denied cultivation rights. Today, similar patterns are re-emerging, where even small plots of land are triggering serious tension and distrust.
Disputes Across Key Areas
The issue is prominent in areas such as Shahpur and Chainpur, as well as in Daltonganj, including Pahari Mohalla, Redma and the outskirts of Chiyanki. Different communities are involved, and disputes over even small parcels of land are leading to confrontation.
A new group of real estate operators has emerged in both urban and rural areas. In urban pockets, they are often accused of acquiring disputed land at very low prices or forcibly taking possession. Reports suggest the use of threats, including firearms, to grab land.
While urban land grabbing involves more organised methods, such as installing prefabricated boundary markers, rural disputes are often carried out more directly. In both cases, violence remains a common outcome.
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Legal and Administrative Concerns
Frequent imposition of Section 144 (now Section 163 under BNSS) is seen as an indicator of rising land tensions. While the provision is meant to prevent disturbances, legal experts argue that weak enforcement or misuse can aggravate conflicts.
There are also allegations that some civil and police officials take sides in land disputes, further complicating the situation.
Limits of Police Role
Previous initiatives like “Mangal Thana Diwas,” introduced to address land disputes, failed to produce positive results and were eventually discontinued.
Police have a limited role in land matters, primarily restricted to maintaining law and order during potential breaches of the peace, as disputes are civil in nature.
Key Issues in Land Governance
Two major factors in land disputes are land measurement and mutation. A High Court order restricts Circle Officers from conducting land measurement without court approval. Meanwhile, delays and irregularities in mutation processes remain a major concern.
The Jharbhumi portal has become one of the most widely used platforms in Jharkhand for accessing land records.
Crimes Linked to Land Disputes
The rise in land conflicts has been linked to serious crimes, including kidnapping, murder, fraudulent land transactions, illegal sale of government and forest land, and the use of forged documents to take possession of property.
Experts warn that without stronger governance and transparent land administration, the situation could escalate further.