Tribal Chiefs oppose amendment

SHILLONG, MAY 26: Tribal chiefs of the state have vehemently opposed the establishment of village councils in the proposed amendment of the 6^th Schedule which is seen as an attempt to do away with the traditional dorbars.

They have also expressed strong resentment on the “derogatory” remarks of the MHA, which in its letter to the state had raised its 12-point queries on VAB of the KHADC, that the dorbar shnong are “undemocratic” and “unconstitutional”.

In view of this lack of knowledge about the age-old customary practices of the tribals in the state, the chiefs have unanimously resolved to demand incorporation of the IOA & AA under a special article 370 (A) in the Constitution of India.

The Instrument of Accession (IOA) & Annexed Agreement (AA) was signed between the Government of India and the 25 Khasi States in August 17, 1948.

The state government and the three autonomous district councils (ADCs) are also demanded to pass official resolutions for the fulfillment of the IOA & AA by the Centre.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the tribal heads under the banner of the Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya (GCCM) held on Thursday.

Addressing newsmen here, GCCM chairman John F Kharshiing said, “We strongly opposed the MHA proposal to amend the 6^th Schedule by inserting a provision for establish village councils and municipal councils.”

“The elections to these village councils will be on the basis of “adult suffrage”, which is in total conflict with the dorbar shnong which only tribal (Khasis) can take part in such electioneering process,” he added.

Stating that this is an attempt to do away with the dorbar shnong, Kharshiing however said, “That is why we are demanding that the IOA, which is a special treaty that clearly states that the law should be as per our customary practices, should be incorporated in the Constitution.”

On the other hand, the GCCM chairman also informed that the tribal chiefs have expressed their bitterness on the derogatory remarks of the MHA about the traditional institutions including the dorbar shnong.

“We appealed to the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Kiren Rijiju and MPs from the state to object such uncalled remarks by the MHA,” Kharshiing said.

Earlier in January last year, the MHA Director (NE-II) Ajay Kanoujia had in a letter to then Principal Secretary to the Governor of Meghalaya MS Rao raised 12-point queries on the legal and constitutional validity of KHAD (Village Administration Bill),2014.

In point 3 of the letter from the MHA, it was stated – “Dorbar Shnong and other proposed institutions should be elected on the basis of adult suffrage. Non representation of other tribes and original inhabitants will be undemocratic and unconstitutional.”

Challenging the MHA to prove that the dorbar shnong are undemocratic, Kharshiing said, “If they (MHA) can prove so I will resign as chairman and if they can’t, these officials of the MHA should be taken to task.”

He also slammed the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) for keeping quite on such a serious issue despite of the fact that the state government had forwarded the MHA letter to the KHADC for its opinion.

Kharshiing also lamented that as reflected on the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule and remarks of the MHA only shows that the Centre has failed to understand the tribal rights as per the treaty (IOA).

“It is here that we find there is a dilution of the political process,” he said.