Guwahati: The Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC) has passed a series of controversial resolutions imposing strict limits on non-tribals in the Garo Hills, covering business, employment, voting, and access to identity documents.
The Central Executive Committee made the decisions during its meeting in Tura on January 10.
The meeting was led by Acting Chairman Balkarin Ch. Marak, who spoke on tribal rights and constitutional protections under the Sixth Schedule.
Co-Chairman Jakrak A. Sangma delivered the welcome address, while Ryan Ch. Marak highlighted what he called the evolving nature of Tura. General Secretary Tony Tojrang B. Marak offered the vote of thanks.
After discussions, GSMC issued a press release confirming that all resolutions were unanimously approved.
Key measures include barring non-tribals from running businesses in Tura and limiting their entry into the Garo Hills region.
Age-based restrictions were also proposed for identity documents: tribal residents could obtain Election Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) between 18 and 20 years, while non-tribals would have only a two-year window.
Similarly, Aadhaar cards for non-tribal children would be issued only between ages three and eight.
On governance, GSMC reiterated its call to abolish municipalities in the Garo Hills, citing constitutional provisions under Article 243(ZC) exempting Sixth Schedule areas from municipal governance.
The committee also objected to a one-percent house construction fee levied by the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) and demanded its removal for tribal residents.
Other resolutions include barring non-tribals from working under the GHADC, voting, or contesting in upcoming GHADC elections.
The GSMC urged that all government and development contracts be awarded exclusively to tribal Garos and requested the cancellation of existing non-tribal registrations in line with the State Reservation Policy.
The committee also stressed strict enforcement of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 2016, and addressed concerns from the New Tura Development Forum over cancelled non-objection certificates for non-tribal businesses.
The meeting was attended by Rongkhon Songital Nokmas, the Tura Akongre Nokma, leaders of the New Tura Development Forum, representatives of the All India Garo Union, the A•chik State People’s Front, the All A•chik Youth Welfare Society, senior citizens, civil society members, and GSMC leadership.
Observers say the measures may prompt controversy regarding their legality and their impact on relations between different communities in Meghalaya.