Shillong, Feb 14: The lawyers and the party members who participated in a discussion here on Autonomous District Councils and Article 371 stressed more on the merits of councils than the latter.
Sankardev College conducted the symposium on ‘Article 371(A) Article 371(G) and the Constitutional Provisions under Article 244(2)/Sixth Schedule’.
While Article 371(A) relates to special provisions to Nagaland, Article 371(G) is about protection to Mizoram.
The symposium assumes significance in the context of debates on the district councils and Article 371 as the KHADC-JHADC polls are scheduled on February 21.
Among the candidates, Congress member from Malki Manuel Badwar participated while the UDP and the BJP were represented by Robertjune Kharjahrin avd advocate Mewak Lyngdoh.
NPP, VPP and HSPDP did not send any representatives.
While Advocate Erwin K Sutnga highlighted the dangers of politicising Article 371 which gives special provisions to Nagaland and Mizoram at the cost of district councils, Advocate Fenela Lyngdoh Nonglait gave comparisons of both the provisions.
Mewak cautioned that like the state reservation policy, raking up the issue of Article 371 will have serious repercussions as far as the existence of district councils is concerned.
Kharjahrin pointed out that even though Article 371(G) is applicable in Mizoram, there is a demand for a district council for Mizos.
Badwar, the Congress candidate of Laitumkhrah-Malki spoke about the need to strengthen the district councils.
The experts replied to various questions raised by the audience.
