KHNAM accuses state govt of violating sixth schedule provisions

The Khun Hnivtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has accused the state government of violating the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India by proposing a six-month extension of the terms of the Autonomous District Councils – KHADC and JHADC.

In a statement on Monday, KHNAM acting president Thomas Pasah said the government’s proposal not only violates the Sixth Schedule but also deprives the people of their right to re-elect representatives at the appropriate time. “The governor will have to take a decision, and we will send our representation to the governor, requesting him to retain the provision of paragraph 6A of the Sixth Schedule,” Pasa said.

He clarified that KHNAM would have no objection to the proposal of the State Government if it was in accordance with the provision given in Section 6A of the Sixth Schedule. However, he claimed that the current proposal deviates from Section 6A.

Pasa highlighted that paragraph 6A of the Sixth Schedule clearly states that extensions may be granted by the Governor during a proclamation of emergency or if circumstances make it impractical to hold elections, for more than one year at a time Extension cannot be given for the period of. He stressed that, in the current scenario, there is no emergency or grounds to make elections impractical.

Expressing concern over the state government’s interference in the autonomy of councils, Pasa stressed the need to maintain autonomy in the councils, saying now is the time to do so.