NPP decries GHADC extension

SHILLONG: The NPP has opposed the decision of the Meghalaya Cabinet to extend the term of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) by another six months.Addressing a press conference in Shillong, Opposition Chief Whip and NPP Spokesperson James Sangma claimed that the term of the Autonomous District Councils can be extended only during proclamation    of Emergency or if the Governor decides to extend it if election to the councils cannot be held.
Claiming that the decision was taken alone by the Chief Minister Sangma termed the extension as ‘murder of democracy’.He also questioned the move of the Chief Minister to lobby with political parties to ensure early amendment of the Sixth Schedule and added that there was no point of taking views and suggestions of political parties when the State Cabinet had already extended the term of the GHADC.NPP leader Conrad Sangma said that the party would approach the highest authorities against the move of the Meghalaya Government. He also demanded that election to the GHADC should be held at the earliest.NPP president WR Kharlukhi claimed that Chief Minister Mukul Sangma was afraid of losing the GHADC election and this was why he was avoiding election and extending the term of the GHADC again and again.