TURA: With Garo NGOs and pressure groups continuing to raise objections over the manner in which the Garo Customary Law codification was prepared by a committee and accepted by the last Congress executive committee (EC), the new Garo Hills Progressive Alliance EC has set up a review committee to look into the issue.
The new executive committee headed by Denang T Sangma has reportedly cleared the setting up of a review committee, last week, and deputy CEM Augustine R Marak has been made its convener. The other members of the committee are yet to be known.
Members from organizations like the interim body of the GSU, Garo Hills State Movement Committee, All Garo Peoples’ Federation, A’chik Students’ Welfare Association and Tura Govt. College Students’ Union were out in number outside the district council complex on Wednesday carrying banners and placards raising a silent protest against non-tribal participation in the council elections and the controversial customary law codification.
The leaders of these organizations – led by GHSMC chairman Nikman Ch Marak – later met the Dy. CEM in his office chamber to put forward their objections against non tribal participation and demanded a review of the codification of the customary laws.
They urged upon the new EC to ensure a separate electoral roll is put in place for the council polls and there is no non tribal participation either by voting or contesting.
The NGO leaders also pointed out that sale of tribal land and deed to non tribal ownership continues to take place in places where it is prohibited and called for a thorough checking of the issue.
“A’king land belonging to the clan has been illegally sold off in Boldamgre to non tribals and pattas were issued by the district council. A review needs to be done,” said Nikman Marak.
