By Our Reporter
Shillong, Dec 22: Nongthymmai independent MDC, Latiplang Kharkongor has decided to give conditional support to the NPP-led EC in the KHADC.
Kharkongor told reporters on Friday that he was happy that the EC has brought an official resolution to urge the Centre through the state government to take steps to bring an amendment to the Constitution (Schedule Tribes) Order, 1950, to recognise only the indigenous communities as the Scheduled Tribes in Meghalaya.
“This is one of the issues that I have been raising for so long,” he said.
He also made it very clear that his support to the EC is not in support of the NPP which is leading the ruling coalition in the council.
“I hope that the EC will impress upon the state government to raise the matter with the Centre,” he added.
Kharkongor reminded that the Supreme Court had clearly stated that a person belonging to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe in one state cannot be deemed to be SC/ST in another state where he migrated for employment or education.
Stating that Meghalaya will only need to come up with a notification, Kharkongor said Sikkim, Mizoram, and Nagaland have already issued notifications to ensure only their indigenous tribes enjoy the rights and privileges.
