Guwahati: The Assam government has introduced a Special Operating Procedure (SOP) to closely vet applications for land transfers between individuals of different religions, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday.
The SOP, cleared by the state cabinet, mandates scrutiny by the Assam Police Special Branch to assess multiple aspects, including potential fraudulent practices, the buyer’s funding sources, the impact on the local social fabric, and implications for national security before granting approval.
Sarma clarified that the procedure does not apply to transactions between people of the same religion.
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However, for interfaith transfers, all outlined checks will be mandatory.
The same guidelines will govern land purchases by NGOs from outside Assam intending to establish educational or healthcare institutions in the state.
“In a sensitive state like Assam, land-related matters must be addressed with utmost caution,” the chief minister said during a media briefing.
