GHADC bid to pass Customary law Bill flayed
TURA: The NPP has urged the people of Garo Hills to stand united to oppose the controversial Bill relating to Garo Customary Laws tooth and nail saying that the Bill is clearly aimed at giving a ‘safe passage’ to Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who is fighting a legal battle pertaining to his tribal status.
“‘The codification of Garo Customary Laws’ Sub. No. II to Sub. No. V of Chapter I (One) has never been in the practice of the Garos for centuries. The Bill is clearly aimed at giving a safe passage to Dr Mukul at this point of time which is also extremely dangerous and detrimental to the identity of the Garos in the future,” West Garo Hills NPP chief S B Sangma said in a statement.
The NPP, while condemning the attempt made by the Congress-led Executive Committee of the GHADC to table the controversial Bill, demanded resignation of the GHADC CEM whose intentions and motives it claimed were against the interest of the people.
It said that while it was not against the codification of Garo Customary Laws which have been the tradition and practices of the Garos for centuries, the tabling of the Bill in its present form was, however, not acceptable.
“The Bill should be prepared in Garo language to avoid misinterpretations and misunderstandings. The sinister nature of the Bill and the manner in which the attempt was made to pass it is highly questionable,” the NPP said.
The party also condemned the Chief Minister for his failure to control the deteriorating law and order situation in Garo Hills.
“Despite worsening law and order situation day by day, the Chief Minister remains absent from office and show no signs of concern for Garo Hills,” the NPP said while demanding Sangma’s resignation.
