Guwahati: Several organisations in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills have called on the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) to revise its legal provisions and prepare a distinct voter list to ensure non-tribals are kept out of council elections.
Representatives of these organisations met the Chief Executive Member (CEM) on Friday, conveyed their greetings on his recent appointment, and presented key concerns for immediate attention.
The representation was jointly signed by groups such as the Association of Democratic Empowerment (ADE), A·chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM), A’chik Youth Welfare Organisation (AYWO), Federation for A’chik Freedom (FAF), Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), and the Garo Students’ Union (GSU).
At the centre of their demands is a change in the electoral system. The organisations maintained that the inclusion of non-tribals as voters or candidates in GHADC elections goes against the intent of the Sixth Schedule.
They proposed that both voting rights and eligibility to contest should be limited strictly to Scheduled Tribe residents of Meghalaya, adding that possession of ST certificates alone may not be enough to stop indirect representation.
The memorandum also pointed to increasing friction between tribal and non-tribal communities, attributing it to unresolved concerns, including widespread encroachment on tribal land. Specific locations mentioned include Wadagokgre A’king in Phulbari and Boldamgre A’king in the Halidayganj/Singgimari area.
The organisations noted that existing laws, such as the Garo Hills District (Transfer of Land) Act, 1955 and the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1972, already restrict land ownership by non-tribals in Sixth Schedule areas.
However, they said poor enforcement and minimal penalties have allowed violations to continue, and called for tougher punishments, including fines amounting to several lakhs.
Issues related to illegal mining, timber trafficking, and unauthorised settlements were also flagged. To address these concerns, the groups suggested better coordination among departments including Land & Revenue, Home, Forest, and the police.
The groups called on the council to act decisively to secure the rights and identity of tribal communities, stressing that timely intervention is essential to maintain harmony and prevent further tensions in the region.