SHILLONG: The A’chik Youth Council (AYC) has reiterated its support to the Garo Customary Law Bill passed by GHADC by saying it is a landmark and historic piece of legislation for the Garo community.
AYC also wanted the Governor of Meghalaya to give its assent to the Bill.
In a statement on Monday, Silning D. Sangma, vice president of AYC, said GHADC had foresight and the Bill will help in protecting Garo customs, culture and identity in the future.
“We appreciate GHADC’s move and it is acceptable for Garos. The law has been made to maintain demographic balance in the land of Garos,” he added.
According to the pressure group, 90 percent of the Garos do not have mixed blood and the Garo Bill will not turn the Garos to minority.
“The sole purpose of the GHADC is to preserve and protect indigenous rights of the Garos and we believe they are doing their duty,” AYC said.
AYC also criticised All A’”chik Citizens’ Forum for keeping silence when the Customary Bill was about to be passed in GHADC in 2012.
“Why the Forum was silent when there was spurt in crime against women and minor children, police atrocities, AFSPA issues and corruption, among others, in Garo Hills,” it added.
