From Our Correspondent
TURA, Sep 9: Despite political and ideological disparities between parties, elected members of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) are united in their dissent to any possible move, including the proposed Amendment to the Sixth Schedule, that will lead to dilution of powers of the Nokmas and their A’king land.
During the Budget session of the GHADC, which drew to a close on Wednesday, the Congress MDCs had submitted a motion to the Chairman, mentioning that formation of the village councils should, under no circumstance, lead to weakening of authority of the Nokmas (village chieftains) and the power they yield over the A’king or clan lands.
The NPP alliance headed by GHADC Chief Executive Member Benedic R Marak assured before the House that there will be no dilution of the powers and authorities of Nokmas, and assured support to every elected member for the cause.
Congress MDC Cherak W Momin and Williamnagar MDC Alphonsus R Marak, who were signatories to the motion moved in the House, later told media persons that an assurance has been made in the floor by the leader of the House that there will not be any dilution of the prevailing position and powers of the Nokmas.
The Congress MDC said that the issue of amendment being moved has been a matter of concern for each and every tribal of Garo Hills.
The NPP-led ruling alliance MDCs have also reiterated their support to the maintenance of status quo as far as powers of the Nokmas are concerned.
It may be mentioned that the proposed amendment to the Sixth Schedule has become a cause of concern for the tribal chiefs who dread that the central government’s move to set up village councils will not only strip them of power but transfer the same to elected representatives of the village council.
They have demanded that prior to the amendment, the government ought to hold meetings and seek the views and opinions of the indigenous Garos, who happen to be the real stakeholders.