TURA: The Opposition NPP and its alliance partners have strongly opposed the decision of the state law department to return the Garo Customary Law Codification Bill to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council for re-examination during a debate in the floor of the house here on Tuesday.
Former chief executive member Denang T Sangma of the NPP, under who’s executive committee the bill was introduced and passed in March this year, raised objections to the return of the bill, stating that the bill was supported by a majority of the elected members when it was taken to vote five months ago.
“This bill was introduced in the floor of the house and all of us had taken part in its vote and passed it. I see no justification in calling for its re-examination,” said Sangma.
He was supported by GNC MDC Augustine Marak who was seated in the ruling Congress side.
Senior NPP MDC Dipul R Marak questioned the move by the law department to return the bill when it had been passed with a majority in the house. Marak walked out of the house in protest against the decision to re-examine the bill.
However, rebel NPP MDC and current CEM Boston Marak lent his support for the move to re-examine the bill and said that setting up of a committee would be the right move.
He was supported by Sadhiarani Sangma of the Congress.
Damas NPP MDC Dolly K Sangma, said that the only minor change that was required would be to replace the word “Non-Garo” with “Non-Tribal”.
A host of MDCs from both ruling and the opposition benches, including Sukaram K Sangma (NPP), Sengnal N Sangma (NPP), Kuros Marak (BJP), Bhupender Hajong (BJP), Jogonsing D Sangma (Congress), Ismail Marak (Congress), Wenison Ch Marak (GNC), Jimbert Goera R Marak (Congress) took part in the debate.
In the last day of the session on Wednesday, the ruling Congress alliance is expected to move a motion to set up a select committee that would review the Customary Law Bill and suggest changes, if any, before the district council returns it to the state law department.
Decision to return Garo Bill ‘political’: Denang
The former CEM and current leader of the opposition in the GHADC, Denang T Sangma, has termed the state government’s decision to return the Codification of Garo Customary Laws Bill as politically motivated.
“This decision has a strong political connection and was intentionally done to protect someone. The intention of certain persons is to ensure the bill does not become an Act,” said Denang in a statement to The Shillong Times.
He questioned the motive of some elected members who are now demanding a review of the bill by setting up a committee.
“When the Bill was introduced in March, current CEM Boston Marak was the chairman. He had allowed the introduction and the vote. Two other members (MDCs), Wenison Ch Marak and Jogonsing D Sangma, were part of the Codification Committee. The very people who voted in favour of the bill are now seeking a review,” said Denang and added that the passage of the bill led to the collapse of his executive committee.
