Benard Marak to challenge GHADC over non tribal provisions

SHILLONG: Former leader of the disbanded ANVC-B, Bernard Marak   has decided to challenge Garo Hills Autonomous District Council over non tribal provisions

 In a statement, Marak said that  the GHADC had been following the non tribal schedule and provisions in Garo Hills which had badly affected the Garo populations in Garo Hills.

 “These provisions evolved into a well accepted system today because nobody educated the Garos of the constitutional rights and reservations under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. These provisions have created a paralysis in the autonomy of the Garo’s Council which is presently hanging in total mess and bankruptcy,” he said, adding that some officers of the GHADC  have over looked the Court rulings and practiced general provisions against the Hill provisions  which is  a contempt of Court and total violation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

 “GHADC seeks advice from the non tribal lawyers who guide them in favour of the non tribals. GHADC is following Assam Schedule (General) to issue pattas which does not fall under its jurisdiction. The non tribal provisions has been created by adding plain mauzas to the Hill areas without any notifications and acts. There is no record of the creation of these non tribal provisions. Due to creation of the non tribal mauzas, non tribals can contest and even claim lands. These lands were settled by GHADC under the patronage of the political parties, who made them their vote banks. GHADC has no authority to transfer or settle land under non hill provisions,” he added.

 He said that they signed the agreement with the Centre and the state to strengthen GHADC within the ambit of the Indian Constitution but some officers in the GHADC were protecting the very provisions which made Garos victim of the non tribal system in the plain areas.