Tura, Nov 28: The A’chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) on Thursday held a massive mini rally in Tura demanding strict adherence to Sixth Schedule provisions by prohibiting non-tribal candidates from contesting elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
The rally, which began at the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) and ended at Ballongre, drew significant public participation. Over 100 vehicles formed a convoy several kilometres long, joined by youth groups, women’s organisations, senior citizens, professionals and community leaders rallying under the slogan “Protect Tribal Rights – Save GHADC.”
ACHIK reiterated two key demands:
1.A complete ban on non-tribal candidates in GHADC elections, asserting that the Council exists to safeguard tribal identity, land and customary laws.
- Creation of a separate electoral roll exclusively for Scheduled Tribe members of Garo Hills, ensuring that only tribals can contest GHADC seats.
The organisation urged the Meghalaya government, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Governor to intervene immediately to uphold constitutional protections and prevent what it termed the “erosion of tribal autonomy.”
“GHADC was established under the Sixth Schedule for indigenous protection and self-governance. Allowing non-tribal contestants defeats its very purpose,” ACHIK leaders said during the rally.
ACHIK warned that the agitation would escalate if its demands were ignored, including large-scale sit-ins, intensified protests and potential legal action.
The rally ended peacefully, with the organisation announcing that a memorandum will be submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the GHADC CEM and the Governor seeking immediate corrective measures.
