From Our Correspondent
TURA, Nov 28: The A’chik State People’s Front (ASPF) has raised with Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar the need to create a separate electoral roll for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
“The GHADC, since its establishment, has served as the bedrock of tribal self-governance in the Garo Hills, embodying the aspirations, rights, customs and traditions of the Garo people. Its authority and legitimacy derive directly from the constitutional safeguards that ensure it remains an institution governed by, represented by, and accountable to the Scheduled Tribe communities it was designed to protect,” the organisation said in its memorandum, while urging the Governor to look into the matter.
It noted that only timely action could preserve the sanctity of the Sixth Schedule and reaffirm the constitutional vision of tribal autonomy.
The organisation added that preparing a separate electoral roll was not a mere technical formality but a fundamental requirement that upheld the democratic essence of the GHADC and ensured that its leadership reflects the will, identity and customary authority of the indigenous tribes.
“Your Excellency is the constitutional custodian of Meghalaya’s tribal peoples and their institutions. With deep faith in your wisdom and responsibility, we submit this memorandum seeking urgent intervention to uphold the sanctity of the Sixth Schedule and the dignity of tribal self-governance. The future of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council and the rights of its indigenous communities depend on timely and decisive action,” it stated in its letter.
