Tennydard wants govt for ‘indigenous people’
SHILLLONG: Activist Tennydard Marak, who is pursuing the ST status case of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, wants a government which protects the rights of the indigenous people of the state after the Assembly polls on February 27. In a statement, Marak beseeched the right-thinking people of Meghalaya to seriously consider before they cast their valuable votes. According to Marak, he has been fighting against widespread incidents of issuance of false certificates in respect of Scheduled Tribes in Meghalaya resulting in ineligible persons availing and enjoying the benefits of concessions as well as exemptions from payment of Income Tax under section 10 (26) of the Income Tax Act as well as reservations in the matter of securing admissions in educational institutions or employment or contesting for, or being elected to, the elective offices reserved for the Scheduled Tribes (ST) thereby depriving genuine ST members of concessions and reservations. In the statement he recalled the January 19 order of the Supreme Court that said “there cannot be any dispute that caste is determined by birth and caste cannot be changed by marriage with a person of Scheduled Caste”. This order, he stressed, should be the basis for dealing with ST status cases.
Ban on coal trucks in EJH surprises UDP
SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party has expressed its surprise at the decision of the East Jaintia Hills administration to bar movement of coal-laden trucks for polls and on the result declaration day for facilitating movement of poll parties. General secretary Kitboklang Nongtdu in a statement said, “It is not understood why movement of cement/clinker laden trucks does not affect the movement of poll parties or is there another reason?” The party’s Khliehriat Circle has reported that this move is biased and lacks rationale. It has urged authorities to look into the matter.
Section 144 in WJH
JOWAI: The District Election Officer of West Jaintia Hills has passed an order under Section 144 CrPC prohibiting unlawful assembly, holding of public meetings and using loud speakers during the 48-hour period ending with the hour fixed for close of poll, this order is applicable for all poll bound areas, constituencies of the District. The DEO has also issued an order prohibiting the carrying of arms by any person or persons; however the order does not apply to police personnel and paramilitary forces.
