By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Former Chief Minister and Nongpoh legislator DD Lapang is in the eye of the storm after he was accused of being a facilitator over the issue of recognition of the Marngar community as one of the Schedule Tribes (ST) of the State.
The Ri-Bhoi Youth Federation, a prominent organisation in the district, has openly blamed Lapang for acting as a facilitator to pressurise the State Government towards according ST status to the Marngar community.
“None of the politicians of the State except the former Chief Minister would benefit from such a move since the Marngar community constitutes a major chunk of his vote bank in his constituency,” RBYF general secretary LK Sawkmie told reporters on Friday.
Sawkmie also alleged that without the influence of Lapang the State Government would not have taken such a wrong decision.
“We expect the former Chief Minister to protect the interest of the local indigenous people. But Lapang has let us down,” Sawkmie added, while strongly criticising Lapang for attending a function held in the last week of July to distribute the ST certificate to the Marngar community.
It may be recalled that during the function, Lapang had lauded the Government’s decision to recognise the Marngars as one of the tribal communities of the State following approval by the Political, Law and Social Welfare departments.
The RBYF general secretary also rued the fact that one of the tallest politicians in the State was indulging in this kind of activity only to suit his political interest.
He added that the Marngar community belongs to Bhong tribe from Assam and their language and culture are totally different from those of the local indigenous population of the State.
The RBYF general secretary, however, clarified that their opposition was against the Marngar community and not the Marngar clan inhabiting various parts of Khasi Hills.
Earlier in the day, the RBYF along with the Rangbah Shnongs of various localities in Ri-Bhoi district and NGOs observed a black flag day throughout the district to protest the State Government’s decision to accord ST status to the Marngar community on August 19.
Later, the RBYF, led by its president BB Makdoh, also submitted a representation to the Deputy Commissioner to immediately stop issuing of the ST certificates to the Marngars until the issue was fully resolved.
Several other NGOs including KSU, JSU, FKJGP and HNYF have also asked the State Government to immediately revoke the order.