By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 11: Questioning the Voice of the People Party’s (VPP) stand on introduction of Article 371 in state, the Congress on Saturday asked the party to clarify its position on whether it supports the implementation of Article 371 or the strengthening of the Sixth Schedule in Meghalaya.
Speaking to reporters, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Vincent H. Pala stated that the Congress has consistently advocated for the introduction of Article 371.
“The VPP must make its stance clear. Do they truly want Article 371 to replace the Sixth Schedule in Meghalaya?” Pala said.
He stated that clarity on this issue is essential to ensure voters can make informed decisions during the upcoming elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).
Pala explained that Article 371 would provide autonomy to the state, while the Sixth Schedule empowers district councils to enact laws that protect the rights, customs, and interests of local indigenous communities.
According to him, regions like Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Arunachal Pradesh have expressed interest in adopting the Sixth Schedule after observing its benefits.
Pala urged voters to act wisely during the elections and give Congress a clear mandate, emphasising the party’s role in securing the Sixth Schedule for Meghalaya in the past.
It is worth noting that VPP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit had previously argued for the introduction of Article 371 in Meghalaya, stating that the overlapping existence of multiple institutions and laws has created confusion among the local indigenous population.
In 2015, while serving as an MLA, Basaiawmoit moved a resolution in the Assembly advocating for the application of Article 371 in Meghalaya, similar to Article 371A in Nagaland and Article 371G in Mizoram. He called on political leaders to push for this constitutional amendment to address the state’s unique needs and challenges.
