From a Correspondent

Shillong, Jan 7: The breakaway faction of the A’chik National Volunteer Council (ANVC-B) on Monday said that strengthening of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) will automatically result in strengthening of both the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).

“The settlement privileges will in no way be confined only to the GHADC. The constitutional amendment of the Sixth schedule will automatically be applicable to all the sixth scheduled areas benefitting the three councils,” the ANVC (B) said.

The State Government’s plan to strengthen the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) following talks with the ANVC had sparked a wide range of demands including strengthening of the KHADC and the JHADC.

According to the ANVC (B)they had made it clear that it will join the settlement if it benefits all the councils.

“It (strengthening of the district councils) is surely going to help in the growth and participation of the common people in general, specially the 80 percent of the population of the state will play a vital role in development in the coming years,” the breakaway group said.

The ANVC (B) had also made it clear would like to meet the leaders of other councils and social leaders of Khasi and Jaintia Hills to make clear their visions and discuss on matters concerning the role of our traditional heads and chiefs in the growth of the State.