Shillong : Tura MP Saleng A. Sangma has said that the ongoing crisis surrounding the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections is the result of years of legal neglect and the failure to frame clear rules earlier.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the Governor of Meghalaya C. H. Vijayashankar, the MP said the recent unrest in Garo Hills was triggered by the absence of proper rules regarding eligibility for participation in the council elections.
Sangma clarified that he was not blaming any individual but said the situation had arisen because earlier leaders failed to foresee the consequences of not framing proper rules.
According to him, the issue surrounding non-tribal nominations in the district council election stems from the lack of a clear legal framework. He said that if proper rules had been framed earlier, the current unrest could have been avoided.
The MP said consultations will now be held with local people, elders, and intellectuals to find a way forward and ensure such incidents do not occur again. He added that discussions would focus on creating proper rules and procedures for the council.
Sangma also said that the Governor is closely examining the legal framework governing the autonomous district councils and has advised leaders to study the rules and suggest necessary amendments.
According to the MP, the Governor emphasized the need to review the existing provisions and bring suitable changes so that clear procedures and eligibility rules can be established.
Sangma further stressed that the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India has a distinct constitutional structure meant to protect tribal autonomy. He said the district councils themselves must frame their own electoral rules and eligibility codes within this framework.
The MP added that the council should take responsibility for drafting amendments, including the electoral college system, to prevent future conflicts.
Meanwhile, Sangma also expressed concern over reports of Rohingya entering border areas of Meghalaya and other parts of India.
To maintain peace in sensitive areas, he has requested the deployment of additional security forces, including more camps of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), to reassure local residents and restore stability amid tensions over participation in autonomous district council matters.