SOMALA (Social Organisations of Meghalaya against Land Alienation) has called for the state government to elicit the views of the public and civil society organisations with regards to the proposed amendments to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Yesterday, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said that the draft is almost ready and that the three autonomous district councils of Meghalaya have been asked to submit any recommendations they might have.
The central government’s move to amend the Sixth Schedule have discombobulated the three councils in Meghalaya over fears that the proposed introduction of a village council could lead to the dilution of the authority of traditional headmen. The ADCs are also against inclusion of minor tribes as other beneficiaries of the Sixth Schedule.
In a release today, SOMALA said that as the Sixth Schedule is meant to preserve the customs, traditions and way of life of the indigenous people of Meghalaya, and any amendment will have far reaching consequences, the indigenous people have the right to speak their mind on the proposed changes to the Sixth Schedule.
“We urge the government to call for the view of all political parties, all social organisations, all the Syiems of the Himas, the Sirdars, the Dolois of the Elakas of Jaintia Hills, the Nokmas of the Garo Hills and the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong,” SOMALA said.
