Shillong, Oct 27: Anonymous posters calling for non-tribals to be shut out of council elections have appeared across parts of the Garo Hills, just two days before the Meghalaya High Court takes up a petition that could decide who gets to vote in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) polls.
The posters, bearing the slogan “A’chik Jat” (the Garo people or nation), have been spotted in Jengjal town, about 30 km from Tura, and along the highway stretch between Anogre and Dollonggre towards Bajengdoba. Who put them up remains unknown, and no group or individual has claimed responsibility.
The posters also carry the image of senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid and take aim at the Congress party. Khurshid, however, is appearing in the case purely as an advocate on behalf of the non-tribal petitioners. A senior Congress member, he is also a practising Supreme Court lawyer who has argued for a wide range of groups, individuals and even political parties.
In September 2026, the Governor gave assent to amendments to the GHADC’s election rules. The amendments came about following public unrest at the beginning of this year with tribals opposing non tribals from contesting or voting in the upcoming elections. The elections have since been postponed.
Under the new provisions, only members of Scheduled Tribes (ST) may vote or contest in council elections, and a separate electoral roll is to be prepared for them. Non-tribal residents are left out of the process altogether.
A writ petition soon followed, challenging the constitutional validity of the amendments. Petitioners argue that the rules would disenfranchise long-settled communities who have lived in the region for generations.
Supporters of the ST-only roll see it differently. They point out that autonomous district councils were created under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard indigenous communities, their customary laws, land rights and political autonomy.
With the matter now under legal scrutiny, all eyes will be on the High Court on Oct 29.
