SHILLONG : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday appealed for calm across Garo Hills and announced that the state government will hold an all-party meeting with political leaders and stakeholders to address the tensions surrounding the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
The appeal came after unrest erupted in parts of Garo Hills over the issue of non-tribal participation in the district council elections.
Taking to the social media platform X, Sangma urged residents to maintain peace and uphold law and order during the ongoing tensions.
“At this critical juncture I appeal to all our citizens of Meghalaya especially Garo Hills to maintain peace and law and order,” the chief minister said.
Sangma also confirmed that the state government has decided to cancel or postpone the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council in view of the prevailing situation.
According to the chief minister, the government will soon convene a meeting with all political parties and key stakeholders to discuss the issue and work toward a solution acceptable to all sides.
“Further, we will be calling all political parties and stakeholders to discuss the different issues and try and work out solutions taking everyone onboard,” Sangma said.
He again appealed to the people of Meghalaya to remain calm and pray for peace while the government attempts to defuse the tensions in Garo Hills.
The proposed dialogue is expected to focus on addressing concerns raised over the participation of non-tribals in the council elections and finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation.