SHILLONG, SEP 1: NPP state president Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday said the government will move the Centre to amend the 1950 Presidential Order and review genuine Scheduled Tribes in Meghalaya.
Speaking on NPP’s 14th Foundation Day, Tynsong said a committee headed by him has been formed to revisit the list.
“When we say Meghalaya is a tribal state, we base it on the 1950 notification. 76 years have passed. We have constituted a committee to review tribes and sub-tribes and examine who are genuine and who are not,” he said.
Recalling the 2003 clashes in Mizoram, Tynsong said Khasi and Pnar people living there suffered.
“We respect Mizo tribals here and share benefits from the same plate. I asked a Mizoram minister – if your people can share the same plate here, why can’t ours there?” he said.
He said the government will pursue the matter constitutionally.
“We don’t need to agitate on the streets. We will touch the law. We will bring a resolution. If needed, the entire government will meet the PM and President to amend the 1950 notification. This is to make our Garo, Khasi and Jaintia people stronger,” Tynsong said.
He said no government in 76 years had taken up the issue and claimed it is in the spirit of the Sixth Schedule.
Tynsong also asked party workers to ensure victory for Dr D R L Nonglait in the Shillong parliamentary poll, saying having its own MP in Delhi will benefit the state.
