TURA:
The Garo body A·chik Conscious Holistic Integrated Krima (ACHIK) organisation has warned that it would be compelled to approach the Supreme Court of India if there is any attempt to compromise on the cut-off date of 1972 for the roster system as envisaged by the Meghalaya High Court which, however, is being opposed by organisations from the Khasi Hills region.
“The organisation would not stop at democratic rallies and demonstrations but would approach even the apex court if the injustice is meted out to the A·chik people in the cabinet or all-party meeting on the issue of roster system,” warned the ACHIK in an open letter issued to Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on April 13.
The A·chik people openly take a stand that there would not be any compromise on the cut-off date and the organisation maintains the year 1972 to be considered for the roster system of Meghalaya Job Reservation Policy which is a system to bring equity to the injustices meted out to the A·chik people, added the Garo group.
“The organisation warns that if any injustice is done to A·chik people, the organisation would resort to democratic rallies and demonstrations under the provisions of Indian Constitution as the mobilisation by the organisation has already started throughout the Garo Hills,” further stated the organization.
“We, the undersigned members of the A·chik Conscious Holistic Integrated Krima (ACHIK), write to you with profound respect and humble submission, bring to your attention the long-standing injustices that the A·chik people have endured since the inception of the state. As the A·chik people have been deprived of their fundamental rights, and we demand justice before your esteemed office. The ACHIK society demands that the petition we have laid before you be included in your discussions in the next Cabinet Meeting or All Party Meet, whichever is convened as we believe that this is an urgent matter that requires your immediate attention and action. The A·chik people have suffered for far too long, and it is time for their voices to be heard”, it said.
It has also put forward its demand for establishment of the winter capital/second capital in Tura citing historical marginalisation, economic deprivation, social discrimination and political exclusion for the Garo community.