Council passes amendment on ST certificate norm
GHADC polls
Tura, March 24: After five long decades, in a landmark move, the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) has passed an amendment making a Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate mandatory for candidates contesting Council elections. The decision sparked widespread celebrations across the region, with thousands thronging the ruling NPP office in Tura.
The amendment was passed less than two weeks after the government decided to postpone the GHADC elections, with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma assuring that the matter would be resolved soon. The move is expected to ease frayed tempers and calm the tense situation that engulfed the region recently, during which lives were lost and property was destroyed.
The issue had lingered for over 74 years, as no previous Executive Committee of the GHADC had moved to amend the existing rules to secure all Council seats for indigenous tribes.
The GHADC’s proposal will now be sent to the Governor for assent.
As thousands of NPP supporters waving flags descended on the party office — which had witnessed an arson attack barely 10 days ago — congratulatory messages poured in for National People’s Party (NPP) chief and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who, along with several Cabinet colleagues, was present to greet the people.
Addressing the gathering from the premises of the damaged office, he said the GHADC exists to safeguard tribal autonomy and that the amendment would ensure the Council is governed and administered by its own people.
He expressed gratitude to party leaders, workers and supporters for their unity and collective efforts in advancing the interests of the Garo community.
He also appreciated Chief Executive Member (CEM) Dhormonath Ch. Sangma and all Members of District Council (MDCs) for standing together to pass the amendment.
Appealing for peace and harmony, he urged all sections of society to refrain from violence and work collectively in the interest of the State and its people.
He reiterated that the welfare and interests of the people remain the foremost priority of the NPP.
He further informed that the Council would take necessary steps to address the long-standing demand for a separate electoral roll for the GHADC.
Cabinet Ministers Marcuise Marak and Timothy D. Shira, Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, along with party MLAs, were present to mark the occasion, which was described as a victory for the people.
