BJP asks Govt to consult ADCs, traditional heads before resolving border issue

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 11, 2022

BJP leader and Tura MDC Bernard N Marak on Friday said the border dispute with Assam should be solved in consultation with the traditional heads and Autonomous District Councils else it will violate the provisions of the Sixth Schedule.

Reminding that the land belongs to the traditional heads since time immemorial, Marak said that the state government cannot settle the border issues on its own because Meghalaya functions in the Hill areas of the Hill tribals under Sixth Schedule.

“The traditional heads are the owners of the land therefore their consent and no objection is required on all matters regarding land else it will be a violation of the constitutional rights of the Hill people,” he said.

Stating that there is tension and insecurity growing in most of the areas bordering Assam, especially Garo populated areas bordering Assam which falls under the Khasi traditional heads, Marak said, “ CM’s declaration of excluding most of their areas from Meghalaya instilled fear and insecurity.”

He alleged that the ancestral land, the community ponds, roads etc have been declared to be part of Assam without consulting the locals, traditional heads and the local MDC. 

The BJP leader further said that the political conspirators are trying to mislead the public blaming the BJP as attempting to overrule and abolish traditional system which is totally misleading.

“It’s a wild accusation and false propaganda against BJP’s initiative to strengthen the traditional system and empower Rural Local Bodies under Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). BJP stands with the people and determined to empower the traditional institutions and constitutional rights of the Hill people,” he said.