SOMALA against Panchayat system

SHILLONG: The Social Organizations of Meghalaya against Land Alienation (SOMALA) has asserted that the tribal people of Meghalaya are not keen on boosting the economy of the state at the cost of “annihilation of their way of life”.
According to the SOMALA, the first priority of the tribal communities was to safeguard their land, tradition and culture.
The SOMALA was reacting to the recent statement of Assam Governor, PB Acharya, who said that provisions of Panchayat system will boost economy in Sixth Schedule areas as well.
SOMALA convener W Anthony pointed out that the philosophy of the Panchayat System and that of the Sixth Schedule areas were far from being similar and hence the former will never safeguard the interests of the tribals who have already lost much land and identity.
He added that the indigenous people of Meghalaya have opposed the proposed amendment to the Sixth Schedule and three groups, including traditional institutions, have sent a representation to the Home Minister Rajnath Singh earlier this year in this regard.
The SOMALA also urged the North Eastern Council to take local people into confidence before “imposing any development schemes.”