By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 30: A group of MDCs in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), led by BJP’s Bernard N. Marak, has strongly urged Governor C.H. Vijayashankar to impose Governor’s Rule in the council instead of extending the term of the present Executive Committee (EC).
The delegation, which included Chesrang Ch. Momin from Asanang and Tengrang A. Marak from Jengjal — representatives of the Garo Hills Independent Candidates Forum (GHICF) — met the Governor and pressed for immediate administrative control under his office to expedite reforms and safeguard tribal interests.
Bernard strongly advocated for direct Governor control over the GHADC, arguing that a six-month extension may benefit a certain political party, whereas Governor’s Rule would ensure faster and impartial implementation of reforms, including SIR in both plain and hilly areas.
Thanking the Governor for approving the ST certificate amendment in the ADC rules, he downplayed fears that the proposed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls would target any specific community.
“SIR is not affect any community but it will be rolled out in general,” he said, while claiming that the population in plain areas of Garo Hills is rising against the indigenous community.
He added that bonafide citizens, including Hindus and Muslims, have respected the provisions of the Sixth Schedule and never demanded to contest elections.
“They expect voting rights as they are paying taxes and cooperating with the rules but there are certain groups who want to be elected which is not permissible as per the constitution.”
Bernard reiterated that bonafide citizens will not be disturbed, but those who have migrated—Bangladeshi infiltrators and dual voters—will be thoroughly examined during the SIR exercise.
With the Governor’s approval of the amendment, he said the next step is to review the electoral rolls, for which a committee has been formed.
Pointing out that the term of the present EC was scheduled to expire on April 18, the MDCs prayed for early elections once the SIR process is completed.
“The state government has taken the initiative to extend the term of EC so it can be explained by the state government itself but politically it is maneuvered by the same political party which is running the state,” Bernard said.
He rejected Congress allegations that the BJP was behind the recent unrest, stating that the situation spiraled due to the non-tribal candidate (former Phulbari MLA) S.G. Esmatur Mominin who tried to file nomination despite opposition.
