Don’t sell lands to outsiders: CM Conrad K. Sangma to Nokmas

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: “The Government will make policies and provisions to protect the land and its people. However, our local institutions should continue to play their vital roles in ensuring protection at the grassroots level,” said Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma while interacting with hundreds of Nokmas on Saturday.

Stressing that that "the Nokmas (Village Chiefs) are the custodians of the society", the Chief Minister called upon them to play a critical role in safeguarding the interest of the indigenous people. Addressing the 15th Annual General Conference of the Council of Nokmas (Village Chiefs) at Jengjal in West Garo Hills, the Chief Minister urged the village chiefs not to sell their lands to outsiders, who adopt unfair means to obtain land in Meghalaya, referring to cases of "benami" land transfers. The Chief Minister also suggested documentation of Nokmaship, and the lifestyle of the Garos so that the future generation will understand the importance of the Nokmas in the society. He also informed that Budgetary provisions will be made from the current financial year for construction of Traditional Village Courts across the Garo Hills. “Our Garo tribe is a society that has deep social relationship with family. Though our tribe is not too large, we have a commitment to follow and implement the traditions and customs of our ancestors,” the Chief Minister stressed.

Talking about the importance of Nokmas and their roles in the society, the Chief Minister said, “In order that progress can take place in our State, there must be, at the grassroots (village) level, some leaders who will coordinate the exercise of rural development and create political awareness amongst the people. Each Nokma is part of the State’s good governance process. The Nokmas also work as mediators between leaders in the Government and our people."

He also informed that roles of Nokmas are vital in ensuring that the community thrives through various socio-economic activities. “Our Nokma is also an example of the integrity of our community and our tribesmen; and therefore he plays a major role in the process of moulding and encouraging constructive public opinion, which is the essence of our dynamic democracy,” he added.

The Chief Minister further stated that the Government is working towards bridging the communication barrier between our Village Councils and the Government so that various issues faced at the village level could be addressed. “We are already in the process of establishing the Tribal Research Institute, which was the vision of my late father PA Sangma. This institution will facilitate the preservation of our tribal community cultures through research work. It will also play an active role in the policy decision making process of the Government,” he pointed out.

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