Tura, July 14: Bernard Marak, Tura MDC and BJP leader, has voiced strong objections to what he sees as breaches of the Sixth Schedule provisions by West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani. Marak alleges that Chelani ordered an unauthorized intrusion into Tura’s Leper Colony without notifying its residents or the concerned Nokma. This move, he claims, has sparked fear among the local population.
In a letter to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Marak stated that the administration’s assertion that the land in question is ‘government land’ has caused unease. He emphasized that Garo Hills, being under the Sixth Schedule, ensures that land belongs to the local clans and protects tribal rights from exploitation by non-tribals. Marak argues that the DC’s claim over the land is not legally substantiated or compensated.
Marak accused the DC of failing to verify documents issued by the A’king Nokma to the colony’s residents. He noted that a previous DC had confirmed the Leper Colony was not categorized as Government Administration Department (GAD) land. Marak also highlighted a decision from a Monitoring Committee meeting in Delhi, stating that all DCs and SPs in Garo Hills should be familiar with local laws, language, and culture.
Marak expressed his intent to protect his GHADC constituency, denouncing any unauthorized intrusions and land-grabbing attempts. He called on the Chief Minister to instruct DCs and SPs about the legal restrictions in Sixth Scheduled areas and remind them that all newly established districts bear the ‘Hills’ title to signify their protected status under the Hill Tribals’ provisions.
Marak concluded that the state’s general departments should respect the supreme law of the land in Garo Hills. He asserted that any officials unable to honor local laws should be transferred out of the region immediately.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/07/15/bernard-accuses-wgh-dc-of-violating-6th-schedule/
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