SHILLONG: Condemning the State Cabinet’s decision to amend the Meghalaya Services (Conduct) Rules, representatives of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) will stage a black flag protest on the premises of the KHADC on January 29.
Speaking to media persons on Wednesday, KHADC Chief Executive Member P.N. Syiem said the KHADC was aggrieved over the recent ruling of the High Court of Meghalaya on the role and functions of the traditional heads.
The decision to stage a black flag protest was taken at a meeting convened here, chaired by the KHADC chief and attended by MDCs from Congress, UDP, KHNAM, HSPDP and also Independents.
The Council has urged the traditional heads and the public from both the outskirts and the city to participate in the black flag protest in support of the district council.
Indicating that the KHADC premises may not accommodate a large crowd, he said the people can show their support for the district council by wearing black flags in their respective localities and drivers can show support by displaying black flags on their vehicles.
He, however, made it clear that the district council will not pressurize the people to participate in the protest and it would only be voluntary.
“We are aggrieved that the High Court has directed the State Government to give its recommendations to empower the traditional heads,” Syiem said, while adding that such a move will bring about a conflict between the State government and the District Council which falls under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
He informed that the secretary of the District Council and some officials are presently in Delhi along with the EM in charge of Town Committee and EM in charge Elaka, to prepare the groundwork to file a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court. “We will file the Special Leave Petition by this week,” he stated.
In connection with the amendment of the Meghalaya Services (Conduct) Rules, Syiem questioned the State government’s move and stated that it is childish on the part of the government to decide in haste to amend the rule.
“We are aggrieved that the decision has been taken at such a crucial period of time. Let the situation come to normal and we will discuss the matter,” he said.
Asserting that there are intellectuals and educated persons who will contribute much to the welfare of the community as office bearers of various organizations, Syiem said the issue has to come up in consultation with the traditional heads, the district council and stakeholders.
He has also mentioned that the KHADC will hold consultations with the Federation of Traditional Dorbar (FOTD) on the matter on January 27.
Syiem also added that the JHADC will also be briefed on the issue.
