Shylla wants UN help to save tribe

SHILLONG: KHADC chief HS Shylla wants the United Nations’ intervention in safeguarding the rights of the indigenous community in the state.
“We need this protection from the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). We are a minority tribe and we need this,” he said at the winter session on Wednesday.
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council will urge the state government to urge the Centre to take up the issue with the global body.
Replying to a motion raised by MDC Grace Kharpuri on the need for settlement of survey for Indo-Bangladesh border fencing and interstate boundaries, Shylla pointed out the potential threat from Bangladesh, which is prone to floods, and said it “will soon submerge and the country’s residents will seek refuge in Meghalaya”.
“On one hand, we need immediate fencing of the Indo-Bangladesh border and on the other hand, with the fencing, many of the land owners will lose their land,” Shylla said about the double-edged sword.
With regard to fencing, Shylla said the district council will write to the state government to consider protecting the interests of border residents.