Guwahati: As discussion for reservation policy grows in Meghalaya, Rajabala MLA Mizanur Rahman Kazi has now proposed a 5 per cent reservation for Muslims from the plain belt of Garo Hills.
He proposed the allocated 5 per cent reservation from the general pool under the State’s reservation policy.
Kazi also submitted a recommendation to the expert committee on reservation policy on Tuesday.
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“I have aimed to highlight the history and socio-economic status of the Muslim community, identifying them as an OBC community, which is why I suggested a 5 per cent reservation for them,” Kazi stated.
Kazi further stated that there was a long-standing presence of Muslims in the region, dating back to 1600 AD and the Mughal era.
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He stated that they are not migrants but have been residents since before the formation of Meghalaya, undivided Assam, and even the Mughal era.
Addressing demands from groups in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills for increased reservations, Kazi clarified that his proposal does not impact the existing quotas for Khasi, Jaiñtia, and Garo communities but focuses on the general pool.
Kazi also said that the Muslim community of the plain belt of Garo Hills should be classified as OBC and granted a 5 per cent reservation from the general pool without affecting the existing quotas of Khasis, Jaiñtias, and Garos.