Shillong, June 18: Just hours after the introduction of the delimitation of MDC in the KHADC the Urban affair minister shout a letter to the Chief Executive Members Mr P N Syiem saying that it cannot be accepted with out public hearing. In the floor of the house Mr Carmel Sohtun MDC from Laitkroh protest the Bill along with others MDC.
Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh strongly oppose the ensuing delimitation process of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) before the council polls.
The move taken by the Council has also drawn criticism from various corners constituencies and especially to the Laitkroh constituency.
Strongly oppose this move, the minister submitted a letter to the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of KHADC.
In a letter submitted by the Urban Affairs Minister it was stated that the council cannot carry fresh delimitation without consultation.
Besides, Lyngdoh also demanded that the move of the KHADC to form new territorial council cannot be accepted without any public hearing “We demand to ensure that the residents and voters of our constituency be afforded right of public hearing before any move is initiated for any delimitation of our constituency.”
The urban affairs minister also stated that the work of which has already started in 17-Laitumukhrah-Malki constituency was done without the consent or knowledge of the people. “We being the voters and residents of the constituency strongly oppose any such move,” Lyngdoh said in her letter.
On the present composition of the 16-Nongthymmai and 17-laitumkhrah-Malki constituency being subjected to fresh delimitation by KHADC, Lyngdoh said, “It is unacceptable in terms of democratic norms as well as the mandated preconditions of the provisions of the sixth schedule to the constitution of India.”
“The sixth schedule to the constitution was framed specifically keeping in mind the protection of special interest and privileges of the tribal population and according to which the DC can make rule regarding delimitation of territorial councils only after consultation with the existing tribal councils and other tribal organisations or representative character,” Lyngdoh mentioned.
The constitution has clearly bestowed a right to consultation and hearing on us prior to any exercise of fresh delimitation, Lyngdoh said adding “This is the precondition set out by the constitution for exercise of your power of delimitation constituencies.”(SP News)
