SHILLONG: The ANVC-B has asked the State Government to dissolve the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) and hold fresh elections.
In a statement to the media, ANVC-B chairman Rimpu N. Marak said that the Executive Committee of the GHADC was extended on the ground that settlement with ANVC and ANVC-B was due. “Now that the settlement has been signed we want the Government to dissolve the present Executive Committee of the GHADC and prepare for fresh election,” Marak said.
Marak said that the outfit was in favour of holding fresh elections to execute the contents of the signed agreement. “The agreement focuses in strengthening the present District Council by adding more power, more departments and direct funding to the Council. It, in turn, calls for transparent, accountable and more mature functionaries,” he added.
According to Marak, the agreement also opens up avenues for mass public participation at various levels in governance, administration and developmental works.
“The role of the common man has been re-defined in the agreement. Therefore, we seek public mandate to run the Council through proper election. Free and fair election would be the first step towards a reformed and transparent Council. We look forward to people’s participation in execution of the signed agreement. It is our Council, therefore people must have faith in right people to run it,” he added.