By Our Reporter
Shillong: The breakaway faction of the Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC-B) has criticised the KHADC member Adelberth Nongrum, who has demanded an amendment of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Council) Rules, 1951 to debar Garos and other tribes from taking part in KHADC elections.
The ANVC-B publicity secretary Doang D. Shira while expressing shock over the statement said, “How could Nongrum raise such a sensitive issue hurting the sentiments of the Garos, especially those living in Khasi Hills.”
According to him, Nongrum’s statement could be seen as the prelude to “Garos leave Khasi Hills” in years to come which would only divide the state.
“It is a fact that Garos dominate certain parts of Khasi Hills since before statehood, living peacefully for decades without any hustle. Nongrum made it a point that he has issues against Garos living in Khasi Hills,” he said.
During the on-going session of the KHADC Nongrum demanded that the KHADC should bring necessary amendments to Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Council) Rules, 1951 to prevent other tribes from taking part (both contesting as well as exercising their franchise) in the KHADC elections.
However, the ANVC-B said that Nongrum failed to make it a point that Garos share equal status, rights and privileges under the hills council, violation of which will bring division.
