By Our Reporter
Shillong, Nov 1: KHADC Chief Executive Member, Pyniaid Sing Syiem on Wednesday slammed those trying to campaign that the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and the District Councils should be done away with.
Speaking during a function organised to commemorate the 64th death anniversary of Rev JJM Nichols Roy on the premises of KHADC, Syiem said people engaged in spreading the wrong message fail to understand how the indigenous Khasi tribe has benefitted from the Sixth Schedule.
According to him, the various tribal communities of the Northeast gained from this legislation.
Syiem said the existence of KHADC ensured the preservation and protection of the rights of Khasis under various provisions as laid down in the Sixth Schedule.
Stating that after the Centre revoked special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union Territories (UTs) – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, he said a delegation from Ladakh had visited the KHADC to know more about the Sixth Schedule as they feared they might be reduced to a minority in their own state.
“They are worried about their land with Ladakh being declared a UT and they sought to know about the Sixth Schedule as they want protection of their land and customs,” Syiem said.
Citing the benefits from the Sixth Schedule, he said, “We are better protected compared to other tribal communities due to special provisions and protection in the Constitution,” he said.
Meanwhile, Syiem said strengthening the district council will be a befitting tribute to Rev Roy, referred to as the Father of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
He recalled that Rev Roy worked towards strengthening the autonomous district councils. Earlier, he paid floral tribute to the departed leader.
Deputy CEM PN Syiem, MDC Bindo Mathew Lanong, Chairman Lamphrang Blah, executive members and senior officials were among the dignitaries who attended the programme.
