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 the GHADC has been following the non-tribal schedule and provisions in Garo Hills which has adversely affected the Garo population in Garo Hills.
“These provisions evolved into a well accepted system today because no one 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 council which is presently hanging in total mess and bankruptcy,” he said.
Marak said some officers of the GHADC have overlooked 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 have been created by adding plain mauzas to the hill areas without any notifications and acts,” he said.
“There is no record of the creation of these non-tribal provisions. With the creation of 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.
Marak further said 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 are protecting the very provisions which make Garos victims of the non tribal system in the plain areas.