By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 18: The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee on Wednesday backed the mandatory ST certificate notification issued by former GHADC CEM Albinush R. Marak on February 17.
Describing the move as a positive step, MPCC working president Deborah C. Marak emphasised that it must be implemented strictly in accordance with the provisions laid down under the law.
“It is a welcome step, but it has to be enforced as per the prescribed rules,” she said.
The Congress leader added that proper implementation of such measures is essential to safeguard the constitutional rights and representation of tribal communities in the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). She declined to comment on the internal politics within the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), while stating that the former CEM had resigned on his own and was not removed by his party.
“Marak resigned by himself and only after that the NPP appointed a new CEM,” Deborah told reporters.
Stating that the matter falls within the prerogative of the ruling party, she said the Congress has no comment on the internal decision of the NPP regarding the leadership change in the GHADC.
She, however, opposed the six-month extension of the GHADC term, viewing it as “excessive” and questioning the rationale behind the decision.
Deborah said the Congress does not agree with the state government’s decision to extend the term by six months.
She suggested that the government could have temporarily suspended the GHADC election in the problematic Shyamnagar and Balachanda constituencies, and conducted it in the remaining areas.
“A new Executive Committee could have been constituted which, in turn, could work out appropriate mechanisms to resolve the ongoing issues. Extending the council’s term by six months was unnecessary and unfortunate,” she said.
She raised concerns over the alleged lack of transparency in handling the recent law and order issues, stating that there has been little clarity regarding arrests or the identities of those involved in the disturbances.
Expressing solidarity with the A•chik people, she said the Congress supports their demands for safeguarding tribal rights and representation.
At the same time, she noted that while the Congress would have supported an all-party meeting to discuss the issue, no such initiative was taken by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
“Had a meeting been called, we could have offered constructive suggestions on how to address the situation,” the Congress leader said, alleging that the decision on the extension of the council’s term was taken unilaterally.
