SHILLONG: District Council Affairs (DCA) Minister HDR Lyngdoh said that the State Government is yet to decide on the date of election to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
“We are hopeful that we would be able to hold the election within the extension period of six months of the term of the GHADC. The period of extension of the council will end on August 17,” Lyngdoh said while replying during the Question Hour on the last day of the re-assembled budget session on Monday. While replying to the supplementary questions raised by Sohra legislator Titosstarwell Chyne, DCA Minister informed that the Government had extended the term of the GHADC expecting the finalization of the agreed text of settlement between the Centre, State Government and ANVC.
“The signing of the text settlement agreement would allow the ANVC cadres to take part in the democratic process by contesting the election of the council. The Government has taken this initiative in order to bring lasting peace in Garo Hills,” he said. While replying to another query of Sohra legislator on the status of the agreement, DCA Minister said that the agreed text of settlement is in the final stages.
While replying to a supplementary question by NPP James K Sangma, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma later informed that the ANVC (B) was not part of the original agreed text of settlement.