SHILLONG, AUG 6: The opposition National People’s Party (NPP) termed the recent decision of the Congress led MUA 11 coalition government to extend the term of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) for another six months as “undemocratic,” “unconstitutional” and “politically motivated.”
NPP spokesman and legislator James K Sangma said in a statement issued on Wednesday, “It is not only undemocratic and unconstitutional but also politically motivated and therefore completely unjustified.”
Sangma said the move to extend the term of the GHADC has further exposed the nefarious design of chief minister Mukul Sangma who he said is doing solely for protecting himself and surviving politically.
According to Sangma, Para 6 A of the 6th schedule to the Constitution of India clearly states that “…the said period of five years may, while a Proclamation of Emergency is in operation or if circumstances exist which, in the opinion of the Governor, render the holding of elections impracticable, be extended by the Governor …..”.
“Therefore as per the Constitution, the term of the Autonomous District Council (ADC) can be extended firstly if there is a Proclamation of Emergency and secondly if a situation arises in the opinion of the Governor which render holding of elections impracticable,” Sangma said adding “Presently there is no proclamation of emergency in the country. “
Sangma observed that there is no war, no natural calamity, no constitutional crisis, no financial crisis, no political turmoil and no such similar situation which will render holding of elections impractical. He said, “The party strongly feels that the extension of the tenure of the present GHADC is totally uncalled for and politically and personally motivated.”
Going by media reports whatever agreement has been reached between the center, the state, and the ANVC in terms of the agreed text of settlement, this will result in the ADCs having more powers and the strength of the ADCs increasing from 30 to 40 which will be applicable to all the District Councils of Meghalaya i.e. Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
Sangma said if that is the case KHADC and JHADC where elections have already been held will be deprived of this till the next District Council elections are held at the end of the term.
Coming down heavily on chief minister Mukul Sangma, the NPP leader said, “In our considered view, the CM has a personal agenda,” adding “His status as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) is being challenged and the matter is before the Supreme Court of India.”
NPP further accused the chief minister of desperately trying to change the Customary Law of the Garos through a new legislation in the GHADC. It may be recalled that this attempt was stalled by the student bodies, the ngos, the opposition political parties and the people of Garo Hills.
“Knowing-fully well that the Congress is going to lose the next GHADC elections badly the chief minister desperately wants to get the customary laws of the Garos changed by the present GHADC so that he can retain his tribal status,” Sangma stated.
The NPP demanded that elections to the GHADC are held immediately without further delay since already six months have been wasted because of the personal whims and fancies of the chief minister.
Meanwhile, the NPP also condemned the kidnapping Subodh Kumar Mishra, an official of the State Bank of India who was kidnapped on Tuesday from Barengapara, West Garo Hills.
The NPP lambasted the home department for helplessly watching as the situation of law and order is spiraling out of control in Garo hills. Sangma said, “We demand that the kidnapped official is immediately traced and rescued.” He also said adequate checks and measures are put in place to ensure the safety of the citizens of Garo hills.- By Our Reporter
Be very cautious with the Customary Law my Garo brethren. It might get passed within the period of extension of the GHADC. Even our non-Garo governor had given his approval of the Bill.
Divide and rule policy of the CM..just think of it no need to explain in detail.
How can something new be a customary law and why is the governor towing the line? He surely knows what he does and cannot be accepting such a new wrong idea as ‘customary’?