The Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) Garo Hills Zone today held a protest demanding a separate electoral roll, codification of the Garo customary law and accountability and transparency within the district council.
The sit-in demonstration was held outside the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
Speaking to reporters, zonal president Pritam Arengh said the GHADC had promised to create a separate electoral roll for the council by passing a resolution in November 2024. However, though a committee was constituted nothing has been done so far.
Currently, non-tribals are allowed to vote and stand for election to the GHADC, unlike in its Khasi and Jaiñtia Hills counterparts (KHADC and JHADC).
Arengh said a separate electoral roll is the need of the hour because the essence of the district council is to safeguard the interest of the indigenous people.
He said the demand for codification of the Garo customary law has not been taken ahead as the resolution passed by the GHADC is lying pending with the District Council Affairs department.
Stating that the GHADC is deteriorating, Arengh said therefore the FKJGP wants accountability and transparency. He said the district council should implement the finance and service rules and constitute a public accounts committee in line with that of the State government.
