SHILLONG:ANVC-B leader Bernard Rimpu N Marak has stressed on the need for strengthening of the traditional bodies in Garo Hills even as he took up on himself the task of following up on the matter.
In a statement issued to the media, Marak said that the Agreed Text for Settlement specifically mentions about strengthening the traditional bodies. As one of the signatories, Marak said, he was committed to take responsibility to materialize the agreement.
Marak, however, pointed out that the council of Nokmas has nothing to do with the agreement and alleged that they are not recognized by the tribal authorities.
“Aking Nokma has put her faith in me and there is nothing wrong in it as there was no one else to help her,” Marak said, adding that he was not a Nokma but was functioning on her behalf in the Town area.
Marak also alleged that the Council of Nokmas is functioning illegally in Danakgre aking.
“They are found to have made (Contd on P-10)
Rimpu to…
(Contd from P-3) illegal patta without the consent of the Nokma. They are also yet to prove how the authority of the Nokma cannot be extended to the town area,” Marak questioned.
“Danakgre is a private land which is under the official custody of the Aking Nokma since 1926,” he asserted.
Marak also asked the Council of Nokmas to produce a written document of Danakgre Nokma consenting them to own a land and function failing which Marak warned that action will be taken by way of imposing fine and cancelling the patta.
