Nokmas, groups to oppose creation of village councils

TURA, Sep 19: Nokmas or village heads from East and North Garo Hills along with local organisations held a meeting in East Garo Hills at the Williamnagar Nokma Council Hall to oppose the proposed creation of village councils in the proposed amendment to Sixth Schedule by the central government.
The meeting which was attended by a’king Nokmas from the two districts was also attended by local MDC Alphonsus R Marak, leaders of the Garo Student’s Union (GSU), Niksamso A’chik Society, Mothers’ Union, A’chik Association for Protection of Environment, besides others.
During the meeting, a resolution was signed by all the members to protest the creation of village councils at all cost.
Opposition is growing in Garo Hills against the proposal to amend the Sixth Schedule with stakeholders calling for its complete withdrawal.
Earlier, the Nokma Council along with the Garo Civil Societies comprising several prominent organisations had called on the Meghalaya government to totally withdraw the recommendations given to the Centre.
Another umbrella organization — the All Garo Hills Joint Action Committee comprising leaders of several organizations like the GSU, FAF, GSMC, GGU, NTDF and others had called on Garo Hills Autonomous District Council Chief Executive Member (CEM) Benedic R Marak and Deputy CEM Nikman Ch Marak and registered strong opposition to the creation of village councils.