Reported by Sandeep Sharma
Guwahati: The A·chik State Peoples’ Front (ASPF), a political/social organisation primarily focused on the rights and development of the Garo community, on Tuesday strongly objected to allegations linked to the disruption of trade and livelihoods in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills, issuing a sharp warning to the All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AAMSU) over reported interference with vegetable vendors and local commerce.
In an open letter addressed to the minority students’ body, ASPF general secretary Bernita Marak raised concern over what she described as credible reports of attempts to obstruct lawful trade activities in the Garo Hills region.
Marak said any such actions, if proven, would directly violate constitutional protections guaranteed under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India, which secures citizens’ right to carry out lawful trade, business, or occupation.
“At the outset, such actions, if substantiated, prima facie violate the constitutional guarantees under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India, which protects the right to practice any profession or carry on any occupation, trade, or business,” she said.
She further warned that obstruction of legal commerce, intimidation of vendors, or coercive attempts to restrict supply chains could invite both civil and criminal consequences.
“Any obstruction of lawful commerce, intimidation of vendors, or coercive restriction of supply chains is not only beyond legal authority but may also attract civil and criminal consequences under applicable laws,” Marak stated.
Highlighting the constitutional protections available to Meghalaya’s tribal regions, Marak pointed out that the Garo Hills fall under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides for autonomous governance while safeguarding indigenous rights, customs, and economic interests.
“It is further emphasised that the Garo Hills region falls under the protective framework of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which safeguards the rights, customs, and economic interests of indigenous communities,” she said.
She stressed that protecting these safeguards is a collective responsibility and warned against any move that could weaken the legal and socio-economic protections available to local communities.
Marak also underlined the vulnerability of small traders and vendors, saying disruption of essential trade impacts economic justice and public order.
“The livelihoods of small vendors are not pawns to be sacrificed for extraneous objectives. When essential trade is hindered, it strikes at the very root of economic justice and public order,” she said.
In her statement, the ASPF leader called upon AAMSU to immediately refrain from any activities that could obstruct the movement of goods, intimidate vendors, or disturb lawful market systems.
“Accordingly, you are hereby called upon to cease and desist immediately from any actions that impede the free flow of goods, intimidate vendors, or disrupt lawful market activities,” she said.
Marak cautioned that continued provocation or unlawful disruption could compel affected parties to seek legal remedies through courts and competent authorities, including compensation claims, injunctions, and criminal proceedings where necessary.
“Take notice that the rule of law is not a mere paper tiger. Any continued provocation or unlawful interference will be met with firm, lawful, and proportionate action,” she added.
She said the statement had been issued in good faith with the hope that all stakeholders would act responsibly and within constitutional limits to preserve trade, dignity, and communal harmony in the region.