SHILLONG: In a high-stakes move to quench the fires of unrest sweeping through the Garo Hills, Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma has issued a clarion call for political unity. Sangma is urging all members of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) to set aside party lines and pass a landmark legislative resolution to resolve the region’s “core issue” once and for all.
The veteran leader, accompanied by TMC legislator Miani D. Shira, met with Governor C. H. Vijayashankar at Lok Bhawan on Saturday to submit a crucial memorandum regarding the volatile situation.
At the center of the storm is a singular, powerful demand from the Garo community: Only Scheduled Tribes should be allowed to contest elections for the GHADC.
Sangma stated that the “ground reality” makes it impossible to hold peaceful elections until this demand is codified into law.
“The demand of the people has been very loud and clear… to bar anybody other than the Scheduled Tribe from contesting in elections for GHADC,” Sangma asserted.
With the GHADC’s term having expired on March 18 and elections currently postponed due to uncontrolled violence, Sangma is pushing for a legislative solution grounded in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Sangma is calling on MDCs (Members of District Council) to demonstrate a “collective resolve” through a formal house resolution.
Institutional Responsibility: He argued that the burden now rests on the Council members to use their legislative powers to reflect the will of the people.
While the government has invoked the Sixth Schedule to extend the Council’s term by six months, Sangma insists this window must be used to solve the core eligibility issue, not just delay the inevitable.
Reflecting on his multiple discussions with the Chief Minister, Sangma emphasized that restoration of normalcy is the immediate priority. He revealed he has urged the government to broaden consultations and bring every stakeholder—especially elected MDCs—to the table.
“I have reasons to believe that keeping in mind the adequate protection available under the relevant paras of the Sixth Schedule… this can be done,” Sangma noted with guarded optimism.
