From Our Correspondent
TURA, May 19: Tura MDC Bernard Marak has written to Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, urging the inclusion of urban MDCs in discussions on the Agreed Text of Settlement reached a few years ago between the government and militant groups.
“I write to you to express my concern regarding the upcoming meeting, which excludes MDCs of Urban Areas. Given the crucial role urban MDCs play in governance, it is imperative that decisions affecting urban localities involve their voices and perspectives,” stated Bernard, who also served as chairman of the former ANVC(B).
He noted that the past exclusion of Urban MDCs had led to unnecessary unrest, most notably when the government attempted to place various localities in town under the Akhing Nokma through urban administration.
“This action was met with strong opposition from residents; resulting in widespread dissatisfaction. A more inclusive approach would ensure transparency and prevent similar issues in the future,” he said.
Bernard further pointed out that the agreement signed by the ANVC groups clearly stated that the Urban Department should fall under the jurisdiction of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). However, the continued delay in implementing the Tripartite Agreement — signed in 2014 in Delhi between the ANVC groups, the state government and the central government — has raised serious concerns among tribal communities about whether their rights under the agreement will be upheld.
He urged the minister to convene a meeting that formally includes urban area MDCs to ensure fair representation in governance, and to initiate the transfer of the Rural and Urban Departments to the ADCs.
“A decade has passed since the agreement was signed, yet its implementation remains delayed, which could be viewed as negligence of the commitments made,” said Bernard.