By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 13: Senior BJP leader and Lok Sabha MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday alleged that illegal infiltration from Bangladesh is the main reason behind the recent tension and violence in Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP central office in New Delhi, Prasad said the party stands firmly with the tribal communities of Garo Hills and is committed to protecting their constitutional rights.
He said the tension in the region stems from the alleged attempt by Bangladeshi infiltrators to enter the local tribal society and contest elections to the GHADC, which is a constitutionally recognised autonomous body where administrative authority is reserved for tribal members.
According to Prasad, the increasing presence of infiltrators in Garo Hills is altering the demographic balance of the region and directly affecting the land, political rights and representation of local tribal communities.
He also referred to a recent controversy involving former Phulbari MLA S.G. Esmatur Momin, stating that despite objections from local tribal communities, a nomination had been filed to contest the GHADC elections.
Prasad alleged that in certain instances infiltrators adopt methods such as marrying local tribal women and later obtaining fraudulent certificates in order to contest elections to autonomous councils.
The BJP leader said the party strongly opposes any attempt to undermine the rights of tribal communities through what he described as illegal and unconstitutional means.
He also said that after the BJP came to power in Assam, actions were taken against illegal infiltrators and similar strict measures have been taken in other NDA-ruled states, including Meghalaya.
Demand for amendment to GHADC Rules
The BJP Meghalaya unit has proposed amendments to the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous District Council Rules, 1951 to make it mandatory for a person to possess a Scheduled Tribe certificate and belong to one of Meghalaya’s indigenous tribes in order to contest and vote in elections to the GHADC.
BJP chief spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang said a party delegation met Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar on Friday to discuss the upcoming GHADC elections and the prevailing situation in Garo Hills.
The delegation, led by BJP Meghalaya Pradesh president Rikman G. Momin and including MLA A. L. Hek along with other party leaders, submitted a memorandum suggesting amendments aimed at removing what it described as inconsistencies in the existing rules and ensuring that the electoral process safeguards the interests of Meghalaya’s indigenous tribes.
The BJP also urged the Governor to convene an urgent session of the GHADC so that the proposed amendments can be taken up and passed at the earliest.
According to Kharkrang, the Governor assured the delegation that, considering the gravity of the matter, the suggestions would be referred to a panel of experts to examine their legal validity. He reportedly informed the delegation that once the expert panel gives its opinion and approval, necessary action would be initiated in accordance with the provisions and procedures laid down under the Constitution of India.
Will evict illegal migrants from plains belt: Bernard
In a related development, BJP State vice president and Tura MDC Bernard N. Marak on Friday said the party would evict illegal migrants from the plains of Garo Hills, alleging that their presence poses a threat to the rights and identity of tribal communities in the region.
Marak claimed that illegal migrants have “shown their true colours” and are threatening the tribal population in Garo Hills while challenging the rights of indigenous communities.
He further alleged that migrants are demanding equal rights with tribal communities and attempting to represent themselves in tribal institutions, which he said was unacceptable.
According to Marak, land, food, language, cultural practices and beliefs form the core identity of tribal communities, and attempts by migrants to gain representation within tribal institutions directly challenge these identities.
He also alleged that many of the migrants are not permanent residents and are living on land leased from tribal owners.
Referring to observations of the Meghalaya High Court, Marak said the court had mentioned the need to amend certain provisions, including Paragraphs 8 and 128, which he claimed had been exploited by political parties to legalise the presence of such migrants through unfair means.
Marak also urged the government to stand above party lines and act decisively to protect the rights of tribal communities in Garo Hills.
