Shillong, April 19: The Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya, (comprising Ka Dorbar Ki Khlieh Nongsynshar Ka Ri Hynniewtrep, Federation of Khasi States, Ki Sirdarship, Ki Dolloi, Council of Nokmas) met today at 11 AM, on 19 April 2013, at Lumjingsuk, Demthring, Shillong, to discuss matters arising from the letter from KHADC and Ministry Home Affairs, Govt of India, relating to the proposed Sixth Schedule (6TH Schedule Amendment Bill 2012 ) to the Constitution of India.
The Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya, today resolved to send an urgent petition and memorandum to Shri. V Kishore Chandra Deo, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Govt of India, to apprise him of the proposed amendments likely to be moved by the Ministry of Home Affairs, wherein the proposed Amendments to the Sixth Schedule do not reflect the solemn national commitments laid down in the treaties Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement accepted and signed between the Government of India and the 25 Khasi States on 17 August 1948 and instead threatens to undermined the very fabric of our unique Institutions of Dorbar Kur, Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima.
The gathering was also surprised as to the proposed amendments from MHA, when presently the fulfillment of the national commitments as laid down in the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement were being looked into by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, based on the directive from the National Commission for Schedule Tribes(NCST), Govt of India.
The Council of Chiefs also deliberated the fact that the present Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India is applied to the ten tribes with different customs, and traditional laws, under Autonomous District Councils in four states, Assam (3ADCs), Meghalaya(3ADCs), Mizoram (3ADCs) and (one) in Tripura.
It is also noted that the peace efforts, and urgency to amend the Sixth Schedule has been primarily to accommodate the aspirations and Peace accord settlements with various groups and ethnic tribes under Assam (Dima Hasao Autonomous Territorial Council; Karbi Autonomous Territorial Council; ) and in Meghalaya particularly under Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (Peace Accord with ANVC-B) including Mizoram and Tripura ADCs.
In this regard, the Council of Chiefs therefore urge the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India, to consider separation of the Sixth Schedule into different Schedules and or Parts such that they reflect the different Autonomous District Councils and tribes instead of clubbing them together under one Sixth Schedule which is causing immense confusion and mis-understanding, as the customs, social practices, and traditional laws are very different from one Autonomous District to another.
It is also urged that Meghalaya should have three separate schedules namely one for Garo Hills District one for Khasi and one for Jaintia Hills District which should reflect the aspirations of the respective tribes of the State.
The meeting also deliberated on the matters to be raised by its representatives at the first meeting of the seven Member, KHADC Sub-Committee, on the Sixth Schedule Amendment, to be held on 22 April 2013 in the office chamber of the CEM.
The Council among others was attended and addressed by Paiem Dr Balajied S Syiem, Syiem Hima Khyrim, Paiem PM Syiemlieh, Syiem Hima Nongkhlaw, Bah H Lyngdoh Ryntathiang, Lyngdoh Hima Lyngiong, Bah G Mylliemngap, Lyngskor Hima Khyrim, Bah A Kurbah, Sirdar Hima Marbisu, Bah Edward Kurbah, Secy Hima Marbisu, Bah Kodin Nongrum, and Bah Nor Diengdoh, Myntri Hima Sohra, including other Sordar and Rangbah Shnong.(SP News)
