Shillong: Nokmas in West Garo Hills have issued a stern ultimatum to the District Administration. They want all labour and trade licences granted to non-tribals without their express consent cancelled immediately. The tribal heads claim these permits violate the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The dispute centers on labourers from Assam and other areas receiving permits from the state Labour Department and the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council without a No Objection Certificate. The Nokmas argue this allows outsiders to infiltrate their traditional lands without oversight. "The Nokma is the recognised custodian of Akhing lands, and all activities within Scheduled Areas must be subject to their authority," the group stated in a formal representation.
Local leaders feel ignored. They demand an immediate freeze on these licences. Contractors or traders working on their land without a permit will now face a Rs 10,000 fine. The group also insists that at least 60 percent of all project labourers must be local residents.
To tighten control, the Nokmas launched a website, www.nokmasani.com, for mandatory labour registration. If the government fails to back their authority, the Nokmas plan to take the fight to the High Court of Meghalaya.
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