The Nokma Council along with various civil society organizations have decided to hold a protest rally against the state government’s recommendation to the union government for the setup of village and municipal councils in Meghalaya.
In a release by the groups, the Nokma Council vehemently opposed and rejected the recommendation in the proposed Sixth Schedule Amendment Bill.
“We are of the view that this will have a negative impact on the two bodies on the traditional rights, powers, functions and structure of Garo local bodies,” said the release by the Nokmas.
They further asserted that a resolution has been taken to urge the government to totally withdraw the recommendation given to the Union government.
They stated that the proposed introduction of the village council and municipal council shall have an effect on the traditional fabric of Garo society.
The Nokma Council and the Garo civil society organization will hold a joint meeting on the subject on September 8 adding that they have decided to take the issue to the people of Garo Hills.
Further a resolution has also been taken to convene a protest rally cum public meeting to show their anger on the matter, which will be held on Monday at the office of the Nokma Council at Balading, Tura.
Meanwhile, the All Garo Hills Joint Action Committee (AGHJAC), comprising many groups from the region, met the Chief Executive Member of the GHADC, Benedict Marak, and Deputy CEM, Nikman Marak, to express their opinion on the decision and make suggestions to ensure the power of the Nokma will not be tampered with.
“We are concerned over the recent proposal by the Union cabinet for the amendment of the Sixth Schedule where executive members of GHADC and others proposed to establish a village council in each village that falls under the jurisdiction of the GHADC,” said advisor to the AGHJAC, Roger Benny Sangma.
The delegation said that village councils should not be formed where the Garo traditional institution of Nokmaship is affected in any manner.
“This can lead to the extinction of our culture and heritage. We urge both the central and the state governments to respect the rights of the indigenous people, something that even the United Nations has agreed with and adopted a resolution in 2007,” added convenor, Balkarin Marak.
They further urged that the rights of the Nokma across her A’king should not be affected due to the formation of village councils or village development committees. They should also not have any power over the power bestowed by the Sixth Schedule for the A’king Nokmas.
“No VDC or VC shall, without the consent and permission of the Nokma acquire any portion of land that falls under the jurisdiction. The A’king Nokma shall have veto power and any developmental scheme should be approved under their warrant and seal. If they disagree then the VC or VDC shall not implement or impose the same,” felt the delegation.
The AGHJAC further felt the need for the GHADC to adopt a new nomenclature on the lines of the Bodoland Territorial Council and rename the GHADC as Garoland Territorial Council (GTC).
During the meeting Benedict assured the delegation that the power of the Nokma would remain the same and there would be no tampering. Further in municipal areas under the 6th schedule would also be relooked and amended accordingly. A meeting on the matter will also take place with the chief minister and various stakeholders in Shillong on September 10 on the same issue.
The AGHJAC, in the interim, requested the CEM to halt the recommendation so that citizens can have sufficient time to discuss and express their concern and consensus can be attained.
