By Francis Khongwar
Shillong ( Meghalaya), Jan 29 : The Nokma Council of North-Eastern Garo Hills of Meghalaya at a meeting held at Mendipathar in North Garo Hills today expressed resentment over inclusion of Village Council to Garo Hills.
The Nokma Group blamed the Nokma Council Headquarters President and Secretary for giving secret consent to the Chief Minister for finalizing the proposed sixth schedule amendment Bill, where Village council is the main focus without consulting with other Nokma Council units and other leaders which is unacceptable to all Nokmas.
The Nokma Group requested the State Government to make up its mind and halt it before sending the draft proposals to the Central Government.
The Nokma Groups said that it is clear in its stand that it will not accept the Village Councils in Garo Hills and added that the statement of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on his personal Facebook page has shocked the traditional heads as the decision was not taken without the consent of all leaders and stakeholders.
The cabinet which met earlier in the day to discuss the proposals from the State Govt to centre had finalised the formation of the Village Councils with the Nokmas/Rangbah Shnong/Sordar as ex-facto Chairmen of the village councils.