By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 12: Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Ronnie V Lyngdoh, expressed concerns over the Voice of the People Party (VPP) advocating for the replacement of the Sixth Schedule with Article 371 while preparing to contest the district council elections.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Lyngdoh questioned how the VPP, which campaigns for Article 371, intends to administer the Council. He warned that adopting a resolution to replace the Sixth Schedule with Article 371 could lead to public unrest, jeopardising the interests of indigenous people.
Lyngdoh also raised concerns about the potential implementation of the Panchayati Raj system in Meghalaya if Article 371 is introduced. “Our traditional institutions will no longer exist if there is a Panchayati Raj system. It would also mean the non-Khasis will be able to take part in the grassroots governance since there will be elections once we have the Panchayati Raj system,” Lyngdoh said.
Currently, he said, they are able to make laws owing to provisions under the Sixth Schedule. The CLP leader argued if Article 371 was better, then why the people of Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh would seek introduction of the Sixth Schedule. “They understand that they can protect their custom, rights and traditions only through Sixth Schedule,” he added.