Shillong, Aug 21: A unified group comprising members of the erstwhile A·chik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) and its breakaway faction (ANVC-B) has sought intervention of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for implementation of the Garo Accord.
The Garo Accord aimed to strengthen and reform the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. However, despite its significance, the group has alleged that the Accord remains largely unimplemented due to persistent anomalies and administrative negligence.
In a letter to the chief minister, the Unified Group of Garo Accord Signatories (UGGAS) said, “We urge your esteemed leadership to take proactive measures to fulfill the commitments made under the Accord, which was solemnly signed in 2014 in New Delhi in the presence of Rajnath Singh, then Union Home Minister, and Kiren Rijiju, then Minister of State (Home), along with other dignitaries representing both the Central and State Governments. The formation of this unified group reflects our shared resolve to uphold the spirit and constitutional intent of the Accord, which sought to strengthen and reform the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.”
The unified group has requested a meeting with the chief minister to review the status of the Agreed Text and formulate modalities for its effective implementation. They have also urged the government not to undertake any reforms or modifications in the structure or functioning of the ADCs that fall outside the scope of the Agreed Text.
“We remain committed to constructive engagement with both the Government of Meghalaya and the Centre to ensure that the aspirations of the Garo people are realized in both letter and spirit. In this regard, we respectfully request that a meeting be convened at the earliest to review the status of the Agreed Text and to formulate modalities for its effective implementation,” the unified group said.
“We further urge that no reforms or modifications be undertaken in the structure or functioning of the ADCs that fall outside the scope of the “Agreed Text for Settlement.” Any such unilateral actions would not only contravene the spirit of the Accord but may also amount to a constitutional breach and political subversion of the agreement. We therefore seek your kind acknowledgment of this representation and request that necessary steps be initiated to ensure coordinated implementation of the Garo Accord in consultation with all signatories,” they added further.
