SHILLONG, MAR 20: The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) will convene a two-day special session on March 23–24 to deliberate on amendments to the AD Rules, following protests over the participation of non-tribal voters in council elections.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who is in charge of district council affairs, said the primary agenda of the session is to take up and pass amendments to the rules.
“The agenda is very clear: one issue is about the amendment of the AD Rules and on that let the amendment be passed,” Tynsong told reporters on Friday. He clarified that the proposed changes are not limited to a single provision, indicating that multiple rules could be reviewed during the session.
While declining to disclose specific details ahead of the discussion, he stressed the importance of allowing the legislative process to take its course. “How can I tell you now? Wait till the House adopts or passes the amendment,” he said.
The development comes after weeks of protests and public outcry demanding that only tribal voters be allowed to participate in GHADC elections. The issue has emerged as a major political flashpoint in the region, prompting the government to address concerns through the council’s legislative mechanism.
The special session is also being convened following the state government’s decision to extend the tenure of the GHADC by another six months, allowing time for necessary legal and administrative measures to be undertaken.
Officials believe that the upcoming session will play a crucial role in resolving the ongoing controversy and shaping the future framework of district council elections in the Garo Hills region.