By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya, which met on Wednesday at Lumbasuk, Demthring, decided to urge the State Government and the district councils to constitute a multiple task force for codification of traditional laws.
The meeting discussed the letter from KHADC to the Chiefs, on the proposed 6th Schedule Amendment Bill 2012 to the Constitution of India.
The Council of Chiefs, after almost five hours of deliberation, acknowledged that finally the Ministry of Home Affairs, has accepted the fact that a unique indigenous traditional institution exists in the State.
The meeting also felt that the proposed amendment to the Sixth Schedule must incorporate the treaty of Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement signed and accepted by the Government of India on August 17, 1947, failing which resolution of the International and interstate border dispute will be inconclusive.
Suggestion for the constitution of separate party-less Council for Syiem, Lyngdoh, Sirdar, Wahadadar, Dolloi Nokma, and other clan elders, village chiefs and village elders under the proposed amendments also cropped up in the meeting.
The meeting of the Chiefs also decided to convene a joint meeting with all NGOs during first week of
May on the proposed amendments to the Sixth Schedule.
A delegation of the traditional chiefs will also meet the Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma, so as to hand over the resolutions of the fourth special Dorbar Ri (People’s Parliament) held on February 13, particularly with reference to the urgent need for amendment and enforcement of the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act 1971.
The meeting also decided to seek appointment with the Prime Minister and Home Minister of India to seek clarification on the non-fulfillment of the solemn national commitments as mentioned in the treaties specified in the ‘Whitepaper on Indian States’.
