Tribal chieftains demand separate Legislative Council in Meghalaya

Shillong, Oct 7 (UNI) Tribal Chieftains in Meghalaya have urged the Centre to create an Upper House for the traditional rulers of the state.

The tribal chieftains of the three major tribes - Khasi, Jaintia and Garo - took this decision at a 'Dorbar Ri'(People's Parliament), held at Mawphlang village yesterday.

The People's Parliament is considered sacred and divine by the tribals here and is strictly non-political.

The proposed 60-member Upper House, to be named as Meghalaya Legislative Council, would comprise Khasi Syiems (Chief), Jaintia Dolois (Chieftains) and Nokmas (Clan Chieftains), besides representatives from all sections of society, including women, youth, academicians, farmers and entrepreneurs, Grassroots Democracy Advisory Council chairman Robert Kharshiing said.

''The members of the Meghalaya Legislative Council would serve a three-year term by rotation to ensure proper representation for all,'' added Mr Kharshing, who is also a member of the Rajya Sabha.

He said the proposal, if materialised, would fulfil the aspirations of the traditional democratic institutions of the state, who presently feel left out of the democratic process.

The People's Parliament, attended by the local tribal people, also urged the 60-member state Legislative Assembly to pass resolutions recommending the Centre to create the Legislative Council.

The chieftains also reiterated their demand for constitutional recognition in accordance with the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement of December 15, 1947 within the Constitution for the unique administrative, legislative and judicial powers.

UNI