By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 18: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Meghalaya, has called for the strict protection of tribal rights in the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, urging adherence to constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ABVP state secretary Bomsing Khongtir urged authorities to enforce strict eligibility criteria for candidates, including the transparent verification of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates. He also demanded stringent action against illegal immigrants and called for strengthened border vigilance to curb infiltration.
Expressing concern over recent tensions in Chibinang and Tura, West Garo Hills, Khongtir noted that unrest during the GHADC nomination process led to loss of lives, property damage, and the imposition of curfews. He alleged that illegal immigrants were involved in acts of violence and intimidation against indigenous communities, posing a threat to the demographic balance and cultural identity of the region.
The ABVP maintained that including non-tribals as voters or candidates in GHADC elections violates the spirit of the Sixth Schedule. The student body stated that the Council system is intended to empower indigenous communities and safeguard traditional governance, and any dilution of this representation hampers local development.
