Shillong, March 26: The Hynniewtrep A’chik National Movement (HANM) (CEC) Gentral Body, extends its warm greetings to all the MDCs of the GHADC who have unanimously adopted a resolution to prevent non-indigenous people from acquiring land, in line with protecting the rights of indigenous communities who are the original inhabitantsof the region, under the customary law of the lndian State through the Sixth Schedule.
At this time, through the HANM, respect is also conveyed to the state governmentand the Governor of the state, who have sought to act and provide approval to enact laws concerning the protection of the ancestral lands of the Garo indigenous people.
Through public mobilization, this has also helped preserve peace and harmony in the various areas where these activities have taken place. ln another context, the Hynniewtrep A’chik National Movement (HANM) believes that this is the right time and opportunity for the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) to adopt similar measures as implemented and coordinated by the Garo Hills
Autonomous District Council (GHADC), so that it becomes a framework for protecting the land and rights of the Khasi-Pnar people from being encroached upon under the laws of the state. As an organization committed to preserving the heritage and customary rights of the community, HANM emphasizes the importance of safeguarding customary laws and practices because non-indigenous people have previously attempted to acquire land through misuse of legal provisions.
lf similar encroachments occur again in the future, it will harm the legal rights of the indigenous people. The failure to implement clear laws to regulate and prevent outsiders from exploiting the state would undermine the authority and responsibilities of the community.
HANM believes that this should serve as a model for the KHADC and JHADC to enact and strengthen AD Rules in the current context. Earlier, through the HANM Central Body, heartfelt greetings were extended to the members of the HANM Garo Hills Zone under the leadership of President Shri Anthony Marak and other affiliated organizations who have worked tirelessly without seeking personal gain.
HANM Central Body also conveys its appreciation to all the indigenous Garo people who have actively supported the organization up to the level of the GHADC, and to the state government as well, for taking steps to consider and implement the community’s demands.
Earlier, through the HANM Central Body, a strong appeal was made to all three Autonomous District Councils, including the KHADC and JHADC, to urgently convene the Dorbar Kyrpang (Central Council) in order to review and strengthen the AD Rules, so that outsiders cannot exploit or interfere with the traditional and legal functions of the Dorbar Thaw Ain within the Autonomous District Councils.
The Hynniewtrep A’chik National Movement (HANM), Central Body, hereby informs the public and concerned authorities that reports have been received regarding attempts to facilitate the entry and settlement of outsiders in the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya.
It is observed with concern that the concerned Members of District Council (MDCs) and the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) have not taken adequate measures, nor passed any formal resolution, to address and prevent such developments.
ln this regard, the HANM strongly urges the State Government, the District Administration, and all relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to prevent any unauthorized entry or settlement. Strict enforcement of the provisions under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of lndia is essential to safeguard the rights, land, and identity of the indigenous people.
The HANM further calls upon all authorities to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring the protection of the indigenous Garo Community, so as to maintain peace, stability, and harmony in the region,said John D Sangma spoke person of HANM central body in the press statement.
