Controversial law passed to target CM: Bernard

SHILLONG: The BJP member from West Garo Hills and former ANVC-B Chief Bernard N Marak has said the controversial Garo Customary Law was passed arbitrarily aiming at stripping chief minister Mukul Sangma of his tribal status, but it ultimately led to the downfall of the NPP led Executive Committee in GHADC.
In a statement issued to the media on Thursday, Marak said, “This Act was targeted at stripping Mukul Sangma of his tribal status, but unfortunately the committee targeted all who were born of mixed parents which ultimately led to the downfall of the EC. The Executive Committee should have taken careful step and sought public opinion”.
According to Marak, the copy of the Garo Customary Law was not provided to the MDCs neither was it made public. As per the practice, it was supposed to be reviewed first at the Lasker and Village Council levels as it is concerning the interests of the public.
“Moreover, the sub-tribes of the Garos were never consulted and their opinion was not included while framing the Act,” he added.
According to Marak, some handful of people who are all politically inclined formed committee and arbitrarily added some sensitive points in the last minute.
“It will create a rift among the peace loving Garo community, and public at large in Garo Hills, besides those residing abroad,” he said.
Marak said passing the matter hastily without any consensus is condemnable and can be termed purely political.
He made an appeal to all who were targeted by the law to raise voice against it and also against the corrupt practices of the elected leaders who are steered politically rather than by public interest.