TURA, March 12: Amid the ongoing commotion over the participation of non-tribals in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, the New Tura Development Forum (NTDF) on Friday bemoaned that save GHADC, rights of tribals are protected in other ADCs.
“Non-tribals and others are not allowed to take part in the KHADC and JHADC and as such, the indigenous tribals of Garo Hills also expect that the elected leaders treat the GHADC and KHADC alike. How will the ADCs in the same state differ from each other in the matter of elections and other administrative matters,” the forum asked, while pointing out that it was the duty of the ministers and the elected members to safeguard the identity of its people.
Giving the thumbs down to Opposition leader Mukul Sangma’s stand on the issue, the Forum maintained that the right the GHADC elections is solely for Garos, of Garos and by Garos.
“The Garos and other communities alike are living in social harmony in Garo Hills till today. So, what more inclusivity the legislator wants from the indigenous people of Garo Hills,” the NTDF asked.
The Forum also expressed discontent with elected representatives from Garo Hills for not speaking against the recent statements made by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and Opposition leader Mukul Sangma.