GHADC polls
Our Bureau
TURA/AMPATI, Feb 24: The A.chik State Peoples’ Front (ASPF) on Tuesday urged political parties to immediately cancel tickets allotted to non-tribal candidates for the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
In a letter addressed to NPP national president Conrad Sangma, MPCC president Vincent Pala and TMC president Charles Pyngrope, the ASPF stated that the Garo community is strongly opposed to non-Garo individuals contesting the GHADC polls.
The organisation argued that revoking these candidacies would better reflect the aspirations and interests of the Garo people.
“The Garo Hills is home to the Garo people, and the majority is strongly opposed to the candidacy of non-Garo individuals in the forthcoming GHADC elections. In light of this, we kindly request that you review this decision. We believe that revoking the candidacies of non-Garo candidates would be in the best interest of the Garo community and would better reflect their aspirations,” the ASPF said in its letter.
It is pertinent to note that all three major parties have fielded non-tribal candidates for Betasing seat. The NPP has nominated Sanjay Koch, while the INC and TMC have allotted tickets to Ajitav Koch and Hemandra Hajong, respectively.
Arms deposit ordered
In a separate development ahead of the GHADC elections, the South West Garo Hills district administration has directed all licensed arms holders to deposit their firearms and ammunition at the nearest police station or authorised armoury with immediate effect.
The order, issued by district magistrate Anendya Raajsshre under the Arms Act, 1959, is intended to maintain public peace and ensure the free and fair conduct of the GHADC elections. The deposited arms will remain in police custody until the completion of the election process and the declaration of results.
The administration has also cautioned that any violation of the order will invite strict penal action. Exemptions will only apply to specific categories permitted under government instructions and require prior written approval.
