The Garo Students Union (GSU) has condemned the executive committee in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) for rejecting a motion to discuss preparation of separate electoral rolls for tribals during the session.
Williamnagar MDC, Alphonsus R Marak had moved the motion yesterday during the session. “This action on the part of the current executive committee to avoid/refuse or delay a motion on such a critical matter with regards to the future of the A∙chik People is an act of betrayal,” GSU president Zikku Balgra N. Marak said in a statement.
He said that the separate electoral roll was a long standing demand of the A∙chik people. “The implementation of a separate electoral roll is a mandate of the A∙chik people to the elected MDCs of Garo Hills and any attempt to delay the culmination efforts of the people will be dealt appropriately,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the Niksamso A’chik Society (NAS) said separate electoral roll is the key point that all MDCs need to focus on as the GHADC is under threat.
“Separate electoral roll must be first wall to prevent the precious property of Garos from the thief or invaders of outsiders,” NAS president Tengrak Marak said.
Pointing out that paragraph two of the Sixth Schedule has provided framing a secured electoral roll and who are the voters and who could vie in the GHADC election, Marak said, “We cannot share our private house for others because it cannot be interfered by any other tribes.”
It may be mentioned that the creation of a separate electoral roll in the GHADC has been demanded by several pressure groups who want only indigenous tribes of the region to be a part of the electoral process.
