SHILLONG, May 4: MPCC president Vincent H. Pala has asked the state government to adopt a cautious and balanced approach while tackling the contentious issue of the job roster system and not play politics on the burning issue.
Talking to reporters on Thursday, Pala warned the government against acting hastily on the issue.
“Going back to 1972 would make the issue more complex. It could even lead to communal tension,” he cautioned.
The MPCC chief said there could be bloodshed if the government takes a decision merely for political gains. “I would appeal to the government to be very cautious while taking a decision. As political parties we should not mislead the people while deliberating on this matter,” Pala said.
Pala admitted that activation of the roster would mean that 40% jobs would have to be reserved for Garos in the seven districts of Khasi-Jaintia Hills, including Shillong.
“Earlier, Khasis and Jaintias were getting maximum job reservation in this part of the state while Garos were getting maximum reservation in the Garo Hills region. Now, Garos will get 40% reservation in all the 12 districts of the state which means that the Khasi-Jaintia youth will be on the losing side,” Pala stated.
Pala also said that he does not subscribe to the idea of calling a special session of the Assembly to discuss the roster system as is being demanded by the Voice of the People Party.
Explaining his stand, Pala said that if the roster is brought up for discussion in on the floor of the House, it would only go one way since majority of the NPP MLAs are from Garo Hills.
“Whatever decision is taken in the Assembly will be final and binding. It will be very sad if we fail to unite the two major tribes (Khasis and Jaintias) and jeopardise the future of our children,” he said.
The MPCC chief suggested that any deliberation or discussion on the roster system should be based not only on historical aspects but by also taking the future into consideration.
“It should be a balanced decision and no tribe should suffer. The cut-off dates to be decided by the government should be acceptable to the public. The matter will end up in the court if a section of the people disagrees. It should not hurt the sentiments of Khasis, Jaintias and Garos,” Pala said.
