SHILLONG, NOV 6: Opposition National People’s Party (NPP) alleged that the recently signed ‘agreed text of settlement’ failed to underline on how the militants of the Achik Volunteer Council (ANVC) and its splinter group, the ANVC (B) will be ‘rehabilitated’.
“We are surprised that the agreed text of settlement finds no mention on how the militants of the ANVC and ANVC (B) will be rehabilitated,” NPP spokesperson James K Sangma said in a statement on Thursday.
The NPP also sought explanation from the government on how the militants will be given means of livelihood and sustenance. According to the party, the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) accord has clearly defined how the cadres/members of the BLT would be given a rehabilitation package by the government.
“It (BTC) also clearly spells out how Bodo youth would be considered for recruitment in police, army and paramilitary forces,” Sangma said adding “However, it is extremely unfortunate that the agreed settlement between the government and ANVC has forgotten the very people who make up the organization.”
The NPP further slammed the government for its failure to make public the content of the agreed text of settlement between the government and ANVC, ANVC (B). “Till today, the government has fail to made public the agree settlement. What does the Congress government have to hide,” Sangma stated.
Stating that, ironically, this document is widely and openly available, Sangma further alleged, “After going through this document, the party finds it surprising that the Agreed Text of Settlement holds nothing of significance for Garo hills in general and the ANVC in particular.”
Sangma said that there is a reference made to the increase in the number of members of the GHADC, which is agreed in principle but the document fails to mention the number in terms of how many seats will be added and when such exercise will be completed.
Sangma further said it is also unfortunate that the Agreed Text of Settlement makes a mention of only 13 subjects, that too minor to be decided by the state government which are to be transferred to the GHADC whereas when the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) accord was signed in the year 2003, a total of 40 subjects were transferred to the BTC.
It may be mentioned that the so-called minor subjects mentioned in the document already stand transferred as per Para 6 of the 6th Schedule of the Constitution of India rendering this para irrelevant.
Meanwhile, the NPP has decided to gear up its organization for the ensuing district council elections in Garo hills slated in February next year.
“We have decided to gear up our organization, in view of the absence of any specific agreement to bring about any substantial and constitutional change in the setup of the GHADC and also in the absence of any provision in the 6th Schedule of the Constitution to further extend its term beyond 1 (one) year,” Sangma said.- By Our Reporter
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