BJP MDC slams Congress govt’s move to introduce municipalities in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 30, 2025

BJP MDC Bernard N Marak has criticized the Congress government’s decision to introduce municipalities in Meghalaya’s Sixth Scheduled areas in the late 1970s, alleging that it diluted the rights of indigenous people.

Marak stated that the move was a violation of Article 243 ZC and the Tripartite Agreement of 2014, which stipulates that civic administration of towns should be handed over to duly elected local bodies, specifically the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).

He pointed out that despite the agreement, the state government has failed to set up a commission to study and suggest an appropriate administrative structure. Marak also highlighted that existing Town Committees in Ampati, Nongpoh, and Nongstoin lack duly elected bodies, further exacerbating tribal rights violations.

Marak urged the state government to stop violating tribal rights through municipalities and initiate talks to replace them with duly elected local bodies or Town Committees under ADCs. He cited an incident in Tura where traders protested against illegal tax collection by lessees, highlighting ongoing atrocities against tribals.

The BJP MDC’s statement has brought attention to the long-standing issue of municipal governance in Meghalaya and the need for reform to protect tribal rights.