Shillong, Apr 5: The Khun Hynñiewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has criticised the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) for delays to the amendment of Para 128 of the district council rules, which govern franchise and electoral rolls.
On March 25 KHNAM, a political party with no elected representatives in either the district council or state Assembly, gave the Voice of the People Party (VPP)-led KHADC 10 days to amend rules to bar non-tribal participation in the voting process.
KHNAM working president Thomas Passah said, “We have made our demands very clear: to call for a special session and bring an amendment to the AD Rules Para 128, which is more important at this point in time. If the EC amends the AD Rule 128 now, the assent of the Governor could be received at the earliest.”
The KHADC constituted a committee on March 31 to look into the subject, but this will likely take more time than what KHNAM is willing to give.
“There’s a saying, ‘Make hay while the sun shines.’ We thought the EC would understand the importance of time. However, the EC has constituted a committee to look into the whole AD Rule, including Para 128. We feel this is a waste of time and, if prolonged, we don’t know the fate of the desire to amend the 128 AD rule to bar non-tribal and non-indigenous individuals from participating in the KHADC election. We don’t see the need for a committee if an amendment to 128 is considered, because it’s a very simple amendment.”
The KHADC committee will comprise executive members, opposition members and officials.
The committee is expected to be formed by next week, with the goal of expediting the amendment process.
