Northeast Desk, 11th August: In a unified effort, the ten Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) from Northeast India have called on the central government to expedite the amendment of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The decision was reached during a meeting held at Tripura Castle in Shillong.
Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) chief Pyniaid Sing Syiem, who led the meeting, announced that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had committed to resolving the ADCs’ concerns by August 25. A new committee will be formed, with Syiem as the chief convener, to coordinate efforts among the ADCs and follow up with the Centre.
The committee will also include TIPRA Motha leader Pradyot Manikya Deb Barma and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) adviser Elwin Teron. Their goal is to ensure the proposed amendment bill is presented in Parliament during the next session, expected in October or November.
Syiem noted that the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) has agreed to allocate land for ADC offices or guest houses, while the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council will establish an English medium school in North Tripura named after Khasi freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem.
Deb Barma emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to ensure the ADCs’ demands are met. He criticized delays and urged the government to honor its commitments promptly, asserting that the unified effort aims to secure the rights of indigenous people across the region.
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