SHILLONG: There is already a more stringent rule than ILP existing in West Khasi Hills as far restriction to non-indigenous persons is concerned.
The ‘Administration of Nongstoin Syiemship Rules 2006 Section 8 clause (a) and (b) states that a Dkhar (non-indigenous person) shall have no right to settle or cultivate in any part or village within the Syiemship. Moreover, a Dkhar shall have no right to become the member of the Executive Dorbar or Village Dorbar within any village of the Syiemship.
The Maharam Syiemship (Administration) Rules 2009 Section 10 clause (6) states that ‘Non-Tribals are not allowed to permanently settle within any area under the territorial jurisdiction of Maharam Syiemship without valid documents issued by the Syiem and Dorbar.’
Informing this, the spokesperson of traditional institutions, John Kharshiing said that these District Council rules which are already in place are very relevant to the current debate and agitation on influx and hence there is an urgent need for synergy between the tribal governing institutions, the three district councils , and the state government to effectively implement these rules which are already in existence through the Directorate of Infiltration, and Labour Department so that they can address the contentious issue of Influx.
“There is need to have further extension and notification of these rules in the sensitive and porous areas of the State”, he added.