GHADC session: Tura MDC moves motion on non-tribal participation, Dy CEM on Garoland
TURA: Two controversial and highly charged issues relating to bifurcation of the current state of Meghalaya and the participation by non-tribals in the district council have been moved for discussion and resolution in the floor of the house during Tuesday’s GHADC session in Tura.
Deputy Chief Executive Member Augustine R Marak of the Garo National Council (GNC) has moved a resolution seeking the creation of a separate Garoland state while Tura Independent MDC Rupert M Sangma, who has all along been objecting to the participation by non-tribals in the district council polls, has moved a motion against their involvement in the elections and functioning of the oldest autonomous body in Garo Hills.
The resolution to be moved by Augustine Marak seeking the creation of a Garoland state would be taken up for discussion in the house and voting in favour or against the resolution will be taken up the same day.
The GNC, to which Augustine Marak belongs, has for decades been fighting politically for the separation of Garo dominated areas from the current Meghalaya state and creation of a Garoland state.
Riding on this agenda the GNC emerged victorious in three district council seats last year.
“The minimum number required for the resolution to be accepted is 15 in a house of 29 elected MDCs. We have in our alliance as many as 18 MDCs,” said a confident Deputy CEM.
Once the resolution is passed it would be forwarded to the Meghalaya Government and the Governor.
The Tura MDC, who is seeking the exclusion of non-tribals from the entire electoral process to the GHADC, will have his motion debated and put to vote on the same day.
The demand for exclusion of non-tribals is a very delicate issue for many politicians and political parties in the Garo Hills. Both the NPP and opposition Congress have a substantial number of non-tribal voters and supporters and going against them could prove costly.
In as many as four constituencies in the plains belt region of West Garo Hills, non-tribal electorate is the deciding factor during polls. Tura town also has a mixed population in many localities and their voters are always sought after by politicians and parties. At the same time, the two political parties have to tread the fine line as they cannot antagonize the support of the majority tribal population.