Adelbert to hold public meetings on VAB

SHILLONG, JUNE 8: Former KHADC CEM and KHNAM vice president Adelbert Nongrum and his group, who recently withdrew their indefinite hunger strike, on Monday decided to hold public meetings to create awareness against the rectified Village Administration Bill.

“We have decided to sensitize the public about the original and rectified VAB passed by the KHADC through public meetings which will be held from June 11,” Nongrum told newsmen at a press conference on Monday.

He informed that the public meetings will be held at Mairang on June 11, Jaiaw on June 12 and Sohra on June 13 adding the meeting is also to extend his appreciation for the support of the public during the hunger strike.

According to him, most of the people are still not aware about the original and the rectified VAB.

Threatening to launch intensive agitations, he said, “We will announce our future course of action along with the public against the issue after conclusion of these public meetings.”

Earlier, Nongrum and his group had temporarily withdrawn their 17 days hunger strike after the demand for immediate passing of the original VAB failed.

Taking a firm stand to oppose the deletion of Section 5 sub section 8 and 16 from the original bill, he said, “The ruling People Democratic Alliance (PDF) in the KHADC led by PN Syiem should ensure that these clauses should be re-inserted in the VAB.”

Nongrum also challenged the claims of the state government and the PDF that these clauses are in conflict with fundamental rights and existing laws of the Centre.

“If these clauses are really conflicting with the fundamental rights and the Centre’s existing laws, let the matter face the Court of law and let the Court decides,” he said.

Stating the need to have a VAB which will not only empower the Rangbah Shnong but the entire Dorbar Shnong, he said, “That is why, we are demanding for our rights as we are concern about the identity of the indigenous community.”

He added, “We have failed to achieve the demand for implementation of the Inner Line Permit, but we are firm that this time we cannot afford to fail in demanding for a strong and effective VAB.”

Referring to public rally held on May 30, the former KHADC CEM has further alleged that the decision of the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong to welcome the rectified VAB is a “mutual understanding” between them and the ruling PDF.

Nongrum said, “Knowing well that there exists two VABs yet the SRS have failed to make the public attending the rally aware of this. Ironically, while the special session is going on in the KHADC, the passing of the rectified VAB was already declared by the headmen.”

Nongrum  also appealed to all political parties, ngos and public to attend the public meetings.- By Our Reporter