Tura, April 28: Nokmas from various a’kings in West Garo Hills on Tuesday accused the district administration of attempting to influence them through the nokma association registered under the state government as well as questioned the extension of authority to development committees and other societies registered under the Societies Act in a’kinglands.
The opposition by the nokmas came in a complaint to the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner where it sought the protection of traditional administration and authority of nokmas in a’kinglands. In the complaint, they opposed the use of local bodies like development committees, societies, clubs and other state registered bodies in matters of traditional administration pointing out that their involvement in issuing certificates, NoCs and permissions within a’kinglands was unconstitutional, unlawful and unacceptable.
The nokmas felt that any attempt made to weaken or bypass the authority of the nokmas was a direct violation of customary laws and the constitutional mandate under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. They pointed out that such actions not only violate their rights but also hurt their sentiments as they amount to the district administration disregarding the authority of nokmas.
“Henceforth, all NOCs, certificates and documents relating to a’kinglands shall be issued only by the nokmas and their duly entrusted offices. Even labourers, hawkers and traders must obtain NOC from our offices before working in our lands,” they stated, while also making known their opposition to the proposed implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) in a’kinglands.
Among the signatories of the complaint included the nokma of Rongkhongre Edenbari Songgitcham A’king, Masumatagre A’king, Boldorenggre A’king, Danakgre A’king, Rongkhon Songgital A’king and others.
