By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 15: The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has petitioned Member of Parliament and former Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, urging the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to examine the demand for depoliticising Meghalaya’s Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
In a letter dated March 15, the organisation expressed concerns over recommendations made by the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) in 2002, which suggested including non-tribals in the ADCs. HITO argued that such moves, along with the participation of political parties, risk undermining traditional governance systems based on community consensus rather than party politics.
The letter also highlighted issues of illegal immigration, particularly in the Garo Hills, and reiterated the demand for extending the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to the entire state to protect indigenous demographics.
HITO pointed to historical tensions within the United Khasi and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (UKJHADC) and protests following the 1972 elections as evidence of unrest linked to party-driven politics and non-tribal representation in the councils.
The organisation called for amendments to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to prevent recognised political parties from fielding candidates in MDC elections. As a precedent, HITO cited the Meghalaya Municipal Act, 2000, which ensures that the 32 Rangbah Shnong of Shillong remain outside the party-based political process.
The group expressed hope that the NDA leadership would address these concerns to safeguard the traditions and governance rights of Meghalaya’s indigenous people.
