GHADC polls: Outfit vows to oppose non-tribals

TURA: The A’chik Matgrik Elite Force (AMEF) has strongly condemned the move of the ruling Congress to allot party tickets to non-tribals to contest in the upcoming GHADC elections.
In a statement issued here on Wednesday, publicity secretary of the outfit, Kuwatsrang Matgrik termed the move as complete disrespect for the feelings and sentiments of the Garo people and threatened to oppose it in its own way.
The outfit vowed to disallow campaigning by Congress candidates if the candidature of non-tribals was not withdrawn and at the same time also urged NGOs from Garo Hills to unite against the same.
Garo candidates urged to withdraw from poll fray
In the wake of the Congress party defying protests and allotting party tickets to non-tribals to contest in the upcoming GHADC elections, several organisations from Garo Hills including the Tengsak-led faction of the GSU, FAF, FKJGP, AYWO and ADE have called for a total boycott of the elections and appealed to all Garo candidates to withdraw if non tribal candidates contested.
“The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council is thus named because it belongs to Garos; it is our traditional institution. The DC’s Office is not called the Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner’s Office because it is not a traditional institution. But the GHADC, as a traditional institution is meant for the preservation of our culture and customs. We appeal to all Garo candidates not to take part in the elections as long as there are non-tribal voters and candidates,” they said.
The organisations were of the view that development if any, must come in tandem with the protection of the rights and opportunities of the Garos as well as through perseverance for the growth of Garo Hills.
“What will be the use of development of Garo Hills when opportunities can be usurped by outsiders and we are left with scraps?” they questioned.
They appealed to aspiring candidates of UDP, NPP, Congress, GNC, BJP, Independents and others to withdraw their candidature in the greater interest of the Garo people.