SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said that the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is the brain child of the Congress party aimed to protect and safeguard the interest of the indigenous tribal.
“It is the far sightedness of the Congress leaders which has deemed it important to have the Sixth Schedule to protect the interest of the indigenous people,” Dr Sangma said while addressing a public meeting to campaign in favour of party candidate Banteidor Lyngdoh at Thynroid near Thangsning, East Khasi Hills on Thursday.
He also said that it is because of the Sixth Schedule that the indigenous tribal across the state are protected by law.
“We need to understand that it is not the MLA or Chief Executive Member (CEMs) of the district councils who is protecting you. But it is the law which the off shoot of the mandate of the constitution which gives protection to the tribal communities of this country including Meghalaya,” Chief Minister said.
He said that it is because of the special provisions in the Constitution which ensures that all the land and natural resources that exist here is under the control of the traditional institutions and individuals.
“We have also been able to promote and protect our rich cultural heritage of the tribal people and its way of life due to the Sixth Schedule,” the Chief Minister added. Dr Sangma however apologized to the people of Mawkynrew constituency for not awarding the party ticket to Lyngdoh in the 2013 Assembly election.
“I know we made mistake the last time. But I would like to appeal this constituency to vote for Lyngdoh to ensure the victory of the party this time round,” the Chief Minister said.
He also assured that if he (Lyngdoh) was elected as the MDC representing this constituency, he would be given the responsibilities to work both as an MLA and MDC for the overall development and progress of this constituency. Congress candidate from Mawkynrew constituency Banteidor Lyngdoh hopes that the people would give him a thumping victory in this election following his defeat by only a small margin in the last Assembly elections.