TURA: The Council of Nokmas on Friday termed the claim of former ANVC (B) chairman, Bernard N Marak to be the Tura Nokma and his demand for fines from people who attended the meeting called by him recently as illegal and unlawful and urged the district administration to book him under relevant sections of law.
Terming Bernard’s claim as absurd and condemnable, the Council stated that A’king Nokmas are selected and appointed by Chras (clan elders) and the Mahari after which they are registered in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) after due enquiries and verifications.
On the claim that Bernard had become the Nokma with the approval of Danakgre A’king Nokma, Enila Ch Marak, the council pointed that time tested Garo customary laws do not allow the Nokma to take decision alone on such an important matter.
“She has to consult the Chras and the Mahari and only then can any action be taken. However, even then the person appointed must be a member of her clan or sub clan,” it added.
On the circulation of notices asking people with land documents to come to his office at Babupara for fresh registration of their pattas, the council termed it as unlawful and demanded that strong action is taken immediately.
It may be mentioned that earlier a show cause notice to Danakgre A’king Nokma, Enila Ch Marak as why her Nokmaship should not be cancelled and legal action initiated against her for misusing her office through Bernard Marak was issued by the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner.
