Council polls: GSU calls for restricting non-tribals’ participation

SHILLONG: The Garo Students’ Union (GSU) has demanded the GHADC to legislate a law to restrict the participation of non tribals in the Autonomous District Council.
GSU CEC, Tura president Tengsak G. Momin said that the union members would soon meet the GHADC CEM on the issue. The GSU also expressed resentment over the GHADC’s failure to debate the participation of non-tribals in the council’s election.
Momin informed that the GSU has submitted a representation to Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram on the matter and is waiting for his response.
“Politics has scuttled this very important issue, which would have been the guiding principles of Sixth Schedule. The issue should have been discussed in GHADC, but it was terminated before it could sprout hope,” the GSU leader said.
The GSU termed that politics of power play, money and false promises confused the people in last years’ election. It said that if less than 49 per cent people would have voted “they would have created a referendum”.
The GSU further suggested remedial measures for strengthening the council.
“There is a need to amend the Sixth Schedule. Autonomous councils should benefit from the recommendations of the State Finance Commission,” he said.