Sixth Schedule cannot protect rights of locals: Ardent
MAWKYRWAT: Former MLA and leader of the ‘Iada La Ka Ri Revolution’, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, has said Sixth Schedule cannot protect the rights of the indigenous people and demanded that Article 371 be implemented in the state.
Speaking at a meeting with the traditional heads (Myntri Shnong) here on Saturday to sensitise them about the aims and objectives of the ‘Iada La Ka Ri Revolution’, Basaiawmoit said, “Till now we don’t have any laws that can protect us as the ‘Jaitbynriew’. If you say we are safe because we have the autonomous district councils, you are wrong because they cannot protect us from the central laws. We have the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act, 1972 under which outsiders cannot buy land within the state, but if the government of India passes any law in conflict with our law, the central law prevails.”
Basaiawmoit also said that the Dorbar Shnong and the Rangbah Shnong are just recognised by law, but not empowered.
“It is sad that most of our Rangbah Shnong have become just a tool of the government to inform the people about the programmes or schemes implemented in their villages. In Madanrting, non-tribals were included in the electoral rolls without the knowledge of the Dorbar Shnong or the Rangbah Shnong. When protested, nobody listened because the Dorbar Shnong and the Rangbah Shnong are not empowered by law”, Basaiawmoit lamented.
Basaiawmoit said that the main objective of the ‘Iada La Ka Ri Revolution’ is to empower the Dorbar Shnong by demanding from the Centre to implement Article 371, “a law that can protect us as a ‘Jaitbynriew’ from the central laws”. He said that Article 371 clearly says that no Acts of Parliament can apply in respect of the religious or social practices of the Nagas [Article 371 (A)] or the Mizos [Article 371 (G)].
“If Article 371 is implemented in Meghalaya, our Dorbar Shnong will not only be recognised by law, but will also be empowered by law and they will turn into a constitutional traditional body”, Basaiawmoit said.
The former Nongkrem MLA also said that Article 371 will also provide ‘administration of civil and criminal justice’ according to customary laws. “Besides, Article 371 also gives us the right to ownership and transfer of land and its resources. As of now, stone quarry, sand quarry, limestone quarry and coal mining are not allowed in Meghalaya. The law says no, but some people are getting richer and richer”, Basaiawmoit said.
He also expressed confidence that the Centre would listen to the demand of the people of the state if through the Revolution they stand united with one voice. “If we unite under one flag of the ‘Jaitbynriew’ with one voice to demand our rights, I am sure the government of India will have to listen because we are not demanding anything which is illegal or which is outside of the Constitution of India which may lead to separation from India”, Basaiawmoit said.
He also said that he was planning to visit other parts of Khasi-Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi district and hold meetings with traditional heads to sensitise them about the objective of the Revolution. After completing the tour, he said that he would hold a public meeting at Student Field, Jaiaw where the Revolution will take the decision to demand implementation of Article 371 and ILP in Meghalaya and also to oppose the CAA and submit it to the central government.
The meeting attended by traditional heads from different parts of South West Khasi Hills District unanimously decided to support the ‘Iada La Ka Ri Revolution’.