SHILLONG, SEPT 25: The Federation of Khasi-Jaintia & Garo People (FKJGP) Garo Hills zone has accused National People’s Party (NPP) led by former Lok Sabha speaker Purno Sangma of betraying the indigenous people by recently pleading for the rights of non-tribals to participate in the ensuing GHADC elections.
The FKJGP said the NPP projected itself as ‘tribal centric’ all along but now pleads for non-tribals.
“We feel that the veteran politician should have kept the interests of the tribal first before making any statement, given the fact that he projects his political party as ‘tribal centric’, FKJGP-GHZ general secretary Raksrang A Sangma said in a statement on Friday.
Raksrang said, “The fact that Sangma has chosen to appeal to the tribal to refrain from pursuing their demands rather than requesting the non-tribals to abstain from participating in the GHADC polls, both through his statements and actions, suggests that he and his party has betrayed the aspirations of the local indigenous tribals of Garo Hills.”
He said the veteran leader has lopsidedly pointed out that full reservations cannot be made for tribals, yet, he forgot that the agitating ngos are not against open seats in general MLA and MP elections, but is only seeking absolute autonomy in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
According to him, the ngos are not only talking about seats here, but demanding that no non-tribal should participate in the elections even as voters. He said, “The veteran leader even went to the extent of indicating that the present demand for non-participation of non-tribal in GHADC will tantamount to vulnerability of non-tribals, leaving them unprotected.”.
He questioned, “Whether Sangma can cite even a single example how, the Members of District Council (MDCs) of the GHADC is supposed to protect the non-tribals? Is it the job/prerogative of the GHADC to advocate for the non-tribals? If so, then, perhaps our idea/knowledge of the spirit of the 6th Schedule and the functions of the GHADC requires enormous correction.”
He said instead of wasting time to appeal to ngo, Sangma should instead concentrate in stabilizing his own party workers, most of whom are already disappointed with the NPP for allotting party tickets to non-tribals and some have already deserted the party.- By Our Reporter
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