SHILLONG: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) passed an official resolution urging the Centre to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.
The resolution seeks recognition of only indigenous tribes as Scheduled Tribes in Meghalaya.
KHADC Chief Pyniaid Sing Syiem, while tabling the resolution on December 20, highlighted the need to revisit and re-examine the list of Scheduled Tribes in the state, considering the demographic changes in recent years.
“This House resolves to urge upon the Government of India through the State government to take urgent steps to bring an amendment to the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 by recognizing only the Indigenous Tribe as the Schedule Tribes in Meghalaya,” Syiem was quoted as saying by the press.
The Leader of Opposition, Titosstarwell Chyne, while supporting the resolution, highlighted the importance of protecting the land and people.
He pointed out the issue of other tribes enjoying the same privileges as indigenous people, raising concerns about land ownership disparities.
Chyne drew attention to the potential exploitation by people from other tribes, citing the example of Mizo people being allowed to buy land in Madanrting.
He warned against a situation similar to the conflict between Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur, highlighting the need to address the influx issue.
Independent MDC Latiplang Kharkongor mentioned that traditional heads had submitted a memorandum in 2019, urging the state government to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribe) Order 1950.
He referred to Supreme Court judgments, stating that Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe status in one state doesn’t apply in another state.
Deputy CEM Pynshngain N Syiem highlighted the mistake made during Meghalaya’s statehood by adopting Assam rules and acts.
He called for revisiting the Land Transfer Act to restrict land ownership by all 66 tribes in the ST list in Meghalaya.
The CEM assured the council’s commitment to addressing the issue seriously and urged members to support the official resolution.
The resolution was passed after the majority expressed support through raised hands.
