Shillong, Dec 13: The A’chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) has raised its opposition to the demand for a Minority Regional Council in Garo Hills, saying it would violate the constitutional rights of the indigenous A’chik people.
The proposed council is a challenge to the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which recognizes the autonomy and self-governance of the tribal population in Garo Hills, ACHIK said in a statement issued on Saturday.
“Any attempt to carve out a separate Minority Regional Council within this framework is not only impractical but also a direct challenge to the spirit and purpose of the Sixth Schedule,” it said.
Condemning the demand raised by minority groups in Garo Hills, ACHIK termed the proposed Council would be “divisive, unconstitutional, and detrimental to the traditional and constitutional rights of the indigenous A·chik people.”
It has also took strong exception to statements and activities of individuals and groups demanding the Council, labelling them as “politically motivated, designed to create communal tensions, and aimed at fragmenting social harmony.”
“We will vigorously oppose any move — political or administrative — that seeks to undermine the rights of the indigenous people or dilute the authority of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC),” ACHIK said.
The organization has appealed to A·chik citizens, civil society groups, and community leaders to remain vigilant and united against divisive agendas, ensuring peace, justice, and protection of indigenous rights in Garo Hills.
