Tura, June 12: A strong protest has been made by the pressure group FKJGP from Garo Hills opposing the recent appointment of a non-tribal MDC to the position of a chairman by Benedic Marak led Executive Committee in GHADC.

The NPP led EC had issued appointments to three MDCs from the ruling alliance to vacant posts of chairmanships and one among the three was non-tribal MDC from Zikzak constituency, Independent Aktar Ali, who was given the chairmanship of the Forest Advisory Committee.

The FKJGP has warned against the move and demanded immediate rremoval of Aktar Ali from the position on the grounds that the GHADC is a tribal institution meant to serve the interests of the tribals, particularly the Garo community.

“The FKJGP and A’chik people of Garo Hills did not accept Aktar Ali as the MDC. His membership in the GHADC itself is unconstitutional! Couple of years back also another non-tribal MDC made vice chairman of forests and he was accused of interfering in a raid conducted by GHADC officials against illegal saw mills operating in the plain belt region.

These mills were operated and controlled by non-tribal businessmen from Assam,” mentioned the FKJGP and cautioned that this will lead to encouraging smuggling by criminals from Assam.