TURA,SEPT 17: Former chief of breakaway faction of A’chik National Volunteers’ Council (ANVC-B) Bernard Marak today filed his nomination paper as Independent candidate for Tura constituency for the October 12 Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) polls.
Clad in a short white kurta Bernard accompanied by his sister Neetu Marak, brother Tinku Marak and other supporters were at deputy commissioner’s office here to file the nomination at around 2:15 pm.
Bernard looked calm, quite and composed as he walked to file his nomination.
Talking to media on his agenda, he said, “I will campaign to enlighten the people on the agreement inked with centre and state for strengthening the district council. I am committed to work for overall
development of Garo hills.”
When asked, on non-tribals participation in the election, he said, “Since there is no laid down rule to debar them they should be allowed”. When quizzed further on the issue, he said, “The new executive committee of GHADC should frame rules in sync with the need of the hour to protect the rights of the indigenous people”.
Several civil organisations in Garo hills have been campaigning not to allow non-tribals either to vote or contest in the district council. When pointed on voting rights on non-tribals in Assam, he remarked,
“All bonafide resident of Garo hills, irrespective of their caste, creed or colour should be allowed to vote”.
In September last year, both the faction of ANVC had singed a settlement agreement with centre and state for empowering and strengthening the GHADC. In December, the outfits were disbanded. When asked, why he did not contest from any political parties, he said, “I am pitching that district council should not have any political interference. Over the years, the council has lost its responsibility to protect the rights of the people”.
Pointing on the provision of district council on allotment of symbol, he said, “Of over 50 symbols, candidates can choose any three symbols while submitting their nomination. It includes symbol of hand, lotus and clock as well, which means that anybody can choose their preferred options. I am strongly in favour of no political parties interference in the council”.
Former ANVC-B’s commander-in-chief Bidith Sangma on Tuesday filed his nomination for Siju constituency in South Garo Hills at Baghmara.
The agreed text for settlement signed with ANVC and ANVC-B states that minor works of departments like agriculture, PWD, planning, district council affairs, health, education, arts and culture, tourism and
others to be transferred to GHADC.
As per the agreement the strength of the council should be increased to 40, of which five members will be nominated. At present, the district council has 29 constituencies and one member is inducted
through nomination.
The agreed text for settlement states that all round development of Garo hills by initiating various developmental schemes by the government departments. As per the agreement, besides the medical
college-cum-hospital which has already been approved, a general Nursing and Midwifery school as well as a para-medical institute and women and children hospital in Tura will be set up. A horticulture college and other technical institutions will be promoted as per the agreement. Moreover, Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR) will be asked to open a research unit in an ideal location in Garo hills.- From Our Correspondent
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