By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 26: The State BJP on Thursday demanded that the state government cut short the six-month extension of the GHADC and hold elections within two months.
BJP spokesperson and former IPS officer M Kharkrang stated that the root cause of the violence was the attempt by a non-tribal aspirant to file a nomination despite a GHADC notification making Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates mandatory for candidates.
Specifically pointing to former MLA SG Esmatur Mominin, Kharkrang said the move was a direct challenge to council authority. “The person concerned should have waited for the High Court order. Instead, he ignited a sensitive issue and challenged the authority of the GHADC. That is how things got out of hand,” Kharkrang said, adding that those who exploited the situation must be held responsible for the breakdown of law and order.
While acknowledging that a conducive environment is a prerequisite for any election to prevent further violence, the BJP maintained that the state government does not need to wait for the full six-month extension if stability is restored sooner.
The demand puts pressure on the ruling MDA coalition, as the BJP—an ally in the government—seeks to position itself as a defender of indigenous rights in the Garo Hills.
Addressing allegations that the unrest was politically motivated or involved BJP workers, Kharkrang dismissed the claims. He noted that he has seen no police reports implicating party members in the recent arrests.
“People can make allegations, but the BJP will not stoop so low as to carry out violence against any group or religion,” he said.
