Shillong: In a historic moment, the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) Executive Committee (EC) on Monday passed the amendment to the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous District (Constitution of District Councils) Rules mandating any candidate contesting GHADC elections to posses a Schedule Tribe (ST) certificate.
Garo Hills, particularly West Garo Hills district, witnessed a law-and-order situation after former non-tribal MLA Esmatur Mominin attempted to file her nomination papers for the GHADC polls.
Curfews and internet shutdowns were witnessed in the district. The state government had to postpone the GHADC elections which was scheduled for April 10th and extended the council’s term by six months.
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However, the scene on Monday witnessed celebrations and loud cheers as soon as the news was made public in the Garo Hills.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and National People’s Party National President said during a special session of the GHADC today that the Executive Committee has passed an amendment to the rules.
“The new rule makes it mandatory for any candidate contesting GHADC elections to have an ST certificate. This is a historic and important decision, autonomous bodies are meant for the tribal people of the region, and such conditions are necessary.”
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