By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: KSU, Ranikor Circle has come out to support the demand of KHNAM Jaiaw MDC Adelberth Nongrum that the Garo population residing in Khasi Hills region should be debarred, either from contesting or voting in the election to the KHADC.
“We feel the issue raised by Nongrum is very pertinent and relevant. We demand from the KHADC to bring the necessary amendment of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Council) Rules, 1951 which would debar the Garos from contesting or voting the election to the Council,” the KSU Ranikor Circle said in a statement on Sunday.
While citing an example of Ranikor constituency, he said that the constituency is facing a threat to be outnumbered by the Garo population.
“As it stands at present, the number of Khasi and Garo population are equal. There is a strong possibility that a Garo candidate might get elected in the constituency if anyone decides to contest in the upcoming election to the Council,” the KSU said while also pointing out that this might have serious repercussion what language would the Garo candidate speak in the House.
According to the KSU, Ranikor constituency is a small example while also pointing that they are many constituencies where there are large number of Garo’s population.
Earlier, the breakaway faction of the Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC-B) has criticised Nongrum, who had demanded an amendment of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Council) Rules, 1951 to debar Garos and other tribes from taking part in KHADC elections.
The ANVC-B publicity secretary Doang D. Shira while expressing shock over the statement said, “How could Nongrum raise such a sensitive issue hurting the sentiments of the Garos, especially those living in Khasi Hills.”
According to him, Nongrum’s statement could be seen as the prelude to “Garos leave Khasi Hills” in years to come which would only divide the State.