Federation submits memorandum to KHADC CEM
SHILLONG: The HNYF has urged the KHADC to constitute the “party-less regional council’ in areas falling under the Council.
The HNYF made this submission during its meeting with KHADC CEM Adelbert Nongrum here on Tuesday.
“We have been assured by the CEM that he will take our demand to the Executive Committee. He (Nongrum) even assured that he will take up the matter on the floor of the Council,” HNYF general secretary Sadon K Blah told newsmen.
Blah said that the constitution of the regional council is relevant, especially in view of the recent court ruling which has questioned the “age-old practice of party less democracy”.
“The court has been able to pass such a ruling due to the failure of the previous ECs of the three Autonomous District Councils,” the HNYF general secretary said.
The HNYF, in its memorandum submitted to the KHADC CEM, suggested the constitution of a regional council which will include only traditional heads chosen by the people.
Blah observed that the failure to institutionalize traditional bodies has led to their misuse.
However, he felt that taking away the powers of the traditional heads like the Rangbah Shnong will increase the influx problem and encourage illegal setting up of businesses by outsiders.
Blah claimed that Para 2 (2) of the Sixth Schedule has a parallel provision for the constitution of regional councils and can be taken refuge in to prevent further belittling of the existing traditional system in the State.
He also said that Para 2(5) of the Sixth Schedule states that constitution of District/Regional councils must be done in consultation with the existing Tribal Councils or other representative tribal organizations for making rules relating to membership and elections.
“Members of this Council should be drawn from among the existing Dorbar Hima, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Shnong. This will result in the embodiment of our traditional system of administration within the provision of the Constitution,” the HNYF general secretary added.