SHILLONG: A delegation of Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) met the officials of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) on Wednesday apprising the commission on a number of issues.
The union apprised the NCST on filling up all the posts in the regional office of NCST in Shillong. With the regional office in Shillong having to look after all the eight Northeastern states, the union is of the opinion to upgrade it to a Directorate.
Stating that tribal communities in North East are less similar to those of the mainland tribal groups, the union said the Commission should constitute members belonging to the eight northeastern states.
Referring to influx from Bangladesh, Assam and other parts of the country, KSU urged the Commission to prevail upon the central and state governments to formulate steps and mechanisms to protect and safeguard the rights of the tribal communities in the region including their survival and dignity.
The union also referred to the NEIGRIHMS imbroglio where they pointed out two lives was lost due to the standoff between NEIGRIHMS director and the Cardiology department.
The union hopes that in the best interest of the tribal patients, the Commission will intervene at the earliest.
