Revolutionary protest for Article 371 & against CAA

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 3, 2020

SHILLONG: Former legislator of Nongkrem Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit has called for a ‘revolutionary protest’ to demand the Centre for the introduction of Article 371 in Meghalaya.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Basaiawmoit told reporters that he has decided to hold a public meeting at Students’ Field, Jaiaw on February 6.

The objective of the public meeting is also to create awareness among the people on the issues related to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.

The meeting also seeks to discuss on the various challenges faced by the indigenous people of the state besides protest against corruption practices including the illegal mining and transportation of coal.

“There is a need for a strong protest in the form of a revolution against the Centre,” Basaiawmoit said while adding that the state does not have any law to protect the interest of the indigenous people.

Stating that his role is only as a facilitator of the movement, the former president of the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) said that by revolution, he means a strong protest by the people.

Asked, Basaiawmoit said if Nagaland has been accorded special provision under Article 371, Meghalaya too has the right to demand for the same.

He said Article 371(A) states that no act of Parliament shall apply to the State of Nagaland in respect of the religious or social practices of the Nagas, its customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law and ownership and transfer of land and its resources.

“If Meghalaya is included under Article 371, the implementation of the ILP will also be effective and successful,” the former legislator said.

Basaiawmoit also said that the traditional dorbar shnong at present are all self-styled institutions but if such provisions is given to the state, they will be constitutional and their activities can withstand even judicial scrutiny.

Pointing out that piece meal protest will take the state no where, he said that attempts have been made to mislead the people on the ILP and CAA issues.

Basaiawmoit also questioned the failure of the National People’s Party (NPP) to expel its Tura MP for voting in favour of the CAA.

It may be mentioned here that a resolution for introduction of Article 371 in Meghalaya moved by the ex-MLA in the State Legislative Assembly was dumped by the then Congress-led state government in 2015.