From Our Correspondent
TURA, Nov 23: Ahead of the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) slated for next year, the Niksamso Garo Community Organisation (NGCO) has opposed the participation of non-tribal candidates, asserting that the autonomous council is meant to safeguard the rights, land, identity and traditional institutions of the Garo people, with special protection for the Nokma system and ancestral land ownership.
“The spirit and intent of the GHADC rules and provisions clearly indicate that the Council is meant to be represented and led by Garo tribal members. Non-tribal individuals have the rightful authority to interfere in, influence, or contest elections designed exclusively for the protection and governance of the indigenous Garo community,” it said.
According to the organisation, allowing non-tribal candidates to contest MDC seats not only undermines the very purpose of the GHADC but also poses a threat to the cultural integrity, land security and traditional rights of the people of Garo Hills.
It urged the concerned authorities to uphold the original mandate of the GHADC and ensure that only eligible Garo tribal candidates are allowed to contest and represent the people.
