Ranchi, Dec 5 (IANS) Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Arjun Munda on Monday questioned his party's move to amend two land acts, resulting in worsening law and order situation in the state.
"Confusion is prevailing in the state over the amendment of the CNT and SPT Acts. This is not a good sign. It will have far-reaching impact," Munda said while speaking to reporters.
Both acts were formulated after long struggle by the iconic leader Birsa Munda, he said.
"Discussion should have taken place before amending the acts. The crucial step should have been taken care of, as amendments are valid constitutional moves. Besides, people's sentiments should have been considered," he said.
The Jharkhand assembly succeeded in passing the bills amending the two land acts -- Chhotanagur Tenancy Act (CNT) and Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) Act -- which were tabled amid protests by the opposition on November 23.
The amendments were cleared by voice votes, without holding any discussion.
Post-amendment, agricultural land could be used for non-agricultural purposes. The government could acquire land for infrastructure, power plants, roads, canals, panchayat buildings and others.
Speaking to reporters in Jamshedpur on Sunday, Munda said: "The law and order situation should be reviewed. Good environment needs to be created for investment."
Sudesh Mahto, President of the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), which is in alliance with the ruling BJP, also criticised the Raghubar Das government for amending the land acts.
"There was no need for the amendment. Our party will go to any extreme to protest the amendment in both land acts," Mahto told reporters.
