Guwahati: In a significant decision following weeks of unrest, the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) on Sunday approved an amendment mandating that only Scheduled Tribe (ST) members can contest its elections, ending the participation of non-tribals after more than seven decades.
The amendment to the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous District (Constitution of District Councils) Rules was unanimously passed during a special session convened by Governor C.H. Vijayashankar. Officials said the move formalises a long-standing demand to reserve electoral participation exclusively for tribal communities.
The decision comes in the backdrop of sustained protests and escalating ethnic tensions in parts of Garo Hills over the issue of non-tribal participation in council elections. The agitation had earlier turned violent, resulting in at least two fatalities.
The situation was further compounded by political instability within the council, prompting the state government to defer the GHADC elections that were originally scheduled for April 10. The council’s tenure was subsequently extended by six months to facilitate the amendment process.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the resolution as a “historic milestone”, stating that it would be remembered for safeguarding the rights of tribal communities.
Constituted under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the GHADC plays a key role in ensuring self-governance and protecting tribal interests in the region. The amendment is expected to reshape the council’s electoral framework while addressing a long-standing and sensitive issue in Meghalaya’s tribal politics.