VAB can also restrict illegal entry of outsiders: PN Syiem

“The passage of the VAB was unnecessary delayed due to the “political tactic” of the then MUA-II government,” Syiem, who was recently appointed as the party general secretary in-charge Khasi-Jaintia Hills region, told reporters here on Thursday.

The KHAD (Village Administration) Bill, 2015 passed by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) under Syiem’s leadership is still lying pending for assent by the Governor till today.

Syiem, who is also candidate of the party from Mawkhar-Pynthorumkrah constituency, said that his executive committee (EC) had also questioned the decision of the then Governor to forward the VAB to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for examination.

“The Governor instead of giving his assent to the VAB had sent it to the MHA. This has happened for the time when the fact is that there is no such provision for him to do that. However, the Governor had acted on the advice of the MUA-II government,” Syiem said.

The NPP during its election campaign for the upcoming district council polls has assured to clear the VAB.

However, the incumbent KHADC chief HS Shylla has termed the promise as “misleading” since according to him, the VAB will not be applicable to Himas which already have codified acts.

Asked, Syiem however said that the existing acts of the himas only deals with issues related to the election of chiefs and headmen but not village administration.

Stating that there is need to speed up the passage of the VAB, he said influx is an issue of concern for the indigenous community and the VAB can also restrict illegal entry of outsiders into the villages.

“The Bill can act as an inner line permit (ILP) within the himas and villages,” he said.

The state government has recently declared the Bill related to the implementation of the ILP passed by the KHADC last year to be “outside the legislative competency” of the Council.

When sought for his comment on the matter, Syiem however admitted that the district council can adapt any central laws including the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.

“However, there is need for a round table discussion between the new executive committee and the state government on the matter,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of the autonomous district councils (ADC) in protecting the rights and interests of the indigenous people, the former KHADC chief said that the district council can also play a major role in resolving the long pending border dispute with Assam.

“It is high time for the district council to collect documents from the different himas and landowners with regards to the boundary of the state. We can even appeal for the Supreme Court’s intervention but we need documents to back our claims,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, the NPP leader also appealed to the people in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region to elect leaders who can defend the indigenous community in the upcoming district council elections.

“We need leaders who understand the autonomous and legislative powers of the district council,” he said. Syiem also lauded the chief minister Conrad K Sangma for taking a bold stand against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016.

By Our Reporter