SHILLONG: The Non Government Organisations in Garo Hills came up with the campaign to create awareness among the indigenous people of the region regarding the issue of non-inclusion of non-tribals in the District Council Electoral Rolls.
They organised a public meeting at Bagabata (Menadoba), Kharkutta on October 2 and Adokgre on October 3.
They took this initiative to mobilise and involve the indigenous people of the region and make them aware of their rights to protect and preserve the customary laws and traditions under the provisions enshrined in the Sixth Schedule and rules in the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) Rules, 1951.
After the meeting, the pressure groups lauded the support of GSU Northern Zone, Baghabata Centre Youth Organisation, for conducting the meetingat Baghabata.
The GSU Northern Zone, GSU Adokgre Unit, Adokgre Farmers Association, the Lasker of Baghabata, Rajashimla Youth Council (RYC) were also lauded by the NGOs for organizing the meeting at Adokgre.
The motive behind the meetings was to make the indigenous people of the region aware of the fragile nature of their existence and the fragility of their culture and tradition which is on a wane.
These pressure groups even threatened to boycott the GHADC election if their demands are not addressed.
