From Our Correspondent
TURA, March 7: Public resentment is growing across Garo Hills over the state government’s delay in addressing long-pending issues concerning the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), primarily the demand to make Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates mandatory for election candidates.
Civil society groups and pressure organisations have intensified protests, with the Garo Students’ Union (GSU) calling for a Non-Cooperation Movement to protest government inaction.
Beyond the ST certificate requirement, organisations are demanding the implementation of clear service and financial rules, the protection of customary laws, a separate electoral roll for district council elections, and urgent administrative reforms within the GHADC.
The movement has gained momentum ahead of the upcoming GHADC elections. Pressure groups are campaigning for safeguards to protect the tribal character of the council, which functions under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
While the GHADC Executive Committee has already passed a resolution making ST certificates mandatory for candidates, the required Gazette notification has not been issued. The resolution was reportedly forwarded to the Governor for consent through the District Council Affairs Department but remains pending.
In a press statement, AHAM President Georgeprince Ch. Momin said the delay has fuelled public frustration. He urged the government to immediately implement the decision and address other governance issues to restore public confidence and maintain stability in the region.
