By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 17: The ruling National people’s Party’s decision to extend the term of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) by six month has invited a sharp reaction from the Congress which termed the move “nonsense” while accusing the ruling party of undermining democratic processes.
The NPP’s decision to extend the GHADC term comes in reaction to the recent spate of violence in Garo Hills, particularly West Garo Hills, as mobs specifically targeted the ruling party by torching the NPP office and attempting to lay seize to Chief Minister and party supremo Conrad K. Sangma’s residence in Tura.
The extension gives sufficient time to the NPP-led EC, now under the leadership of Dhormonath Ch. Sangma, to frame rules and secure the Governor’s assent to mandatory production of ST certificates to contest GHADC polls, effectively barring non-tribals from any contest.
An attempt by former CEM Albinush R. Marak to issue a notification for mandatory ST certificate during the nomination process led to chaos and resulted in the unrest that gripped West Garo Hills for three days.
Reacting to the Cabinet’s decision, Congress leaders said the extension “does not make sense whatsoever” and alleged the government was exploiting the situation to serve political interests rather than uphold electoral norms.
The party said extending the council’s term under such circumstances undermines the electoral process that should have taken place. It described the move as part of a “regular practice” by the NPP, terming it undemocratic and reflective of an authoritarian style of functioning.
According to the MPCC, the decision reflects a governance style in which those in power act unilaterally, disregarding public sentiment and democratic accountability. Such actions, it said, ignore voters’ rights and weaken institutional credibility.
Congress also questioned the timing, noting that the council was granted an additional six months after electing a new Chief Executive Member (CEM). It found no justification in extending the term under such circumstances.
The party further argued that isolated disturbances in a few constituencies cannot justify delaying or disrupting the broader democratic process.
Invoking the spirit of the Sixth Schedule, Congress leaders said autonomous district councils were meant to empower tribal self-governance, not be manipulated for political convenience. They accused the government of diluting constitutional safeguards and people’s rights.
Tura MDC against extension of GHADC term
Tura MDC Bernard N. Marak has urged the state government to reconsider its decision to extend the GHADC’s tenure, saying it would not serve the larger interests of the people.
In a representation to Tynsong, who is in charge of District Council Affairs, Marak argued that the six-month extension is unnecessary. He noted that the current term ends on April 18 and that there is sufficient time to deliberate on and pass pending resolutions during the upcoming Budget Session.
He added that the earlier postponement of GHADC elections was due to public pressure, which has since subsided, with expectations that the key issue of making Schedule Tribe certificates mandatory for MDC candidates would be addressed through a special session.
He also raised concerns about the functioning of the present Executive Committee, alleging that certain members—including two BJP MDCs who supported the new CEM—have not been included in the EC and have been excluded from discussions.
Urging the government to act in the public interest, Marak called for restraint in approving any extension of the GHADC’s term.
