JAC calls for SDO's removal

A Correspondent

Shillong, April 29: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) consisting of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) and the Seng Samla Shnong Sohra today gave the government a weeks’ deadline to remove the Sub Divisiol Officer (SDO) of Sohra Civil Sub-Division, Ghanshyam Dass. This resolution was adopted by the JAC after a public meeting held at Saitsohpen in Sohra today.

The public meeting was attended by MLAs and MDCs representing the areas falling under Sohra Civil Sub-Division.

Among those who attended the meeting were Opposition Leader and Shella legislator Dr Donkupar Roy, Sohra MLA, Titos Chyne both of the UDP, Sohra MDC Donevan Kharwanlang (Congress), and Shella MDC Teinwell Dkhar (UDP), traditiol heads and residents of the area.

Dass is being accused of trying to enroll alleged Bangladeshis into the electoral rolls.

Speaking at the public meeting UDP leader, Dr Roy said that it was for the first time in his career he is attending a rally demanding the ouster of an officer.

The Opposition leader claimed that in earlier years, officers serving in Sohra worked in close coordition and consultation with the citizens of the area including the village authorities.

“To my mind this officer is too young to serve or maybe he has not received proper training. I have even spoken to the Chief Secretary on the transfer of this officer,” Dr Roy said.

He also said that he was not against the genuine non-indigenous people getting the right to vote. But according to him the village authorities should be first satisfied that he is a genuine Indian. Dr Roy also urged the pressure groups to be cautious while dealing with this issue since Sohra is a tourist destition. “If the illegal migrants are enrolled, I will be worried since I belong to a regiol party, but the advantage will be taken by tiol parties,” Dr Roy said. Meanwhile, KSU president Daniel Khyriem said that if there is any “hearing” or “public verification,” the Rangbah Shnong should also be present or he should be recognized as a booth level officer. Khyriem also reiterated that such hearings should be held at the respective villages. The KSU president also stated that during a meeting with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), the groups were informed that the election department was enrolling youths who have attained the age of 18 years only.

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