Shillong, Mar 16: Naguapara MDC Dhormonath Ch Sangma was elected as the new Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) with the support of 21 MDCs.
His election follows the resignation of former CEM Albinush R Marak, who resigned before a scheduled vote of no confidence was held into his leadership.
A special session was called for today by Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar after 21 MDCs had submitted a no confidence motion on Saturday.
The development came amid the postponement of the GHADC elections, which were earlier scheduled for April 10, due to the sudden deterioration of law and order in parts of Garo Hills last week.
With the new CEM now in place, focus is expected to shift towards restoring stability in the region and addressing issues that led to recent tensions, namely the issue of non-tribal participation in the GHADC.
As per current rules, non-tribals are allowed to stand and vote in GHADC elections. However, Garo pressure groups, politicians and civil society organisations have been calling for a change to the status quo. The Albinush-led GHADC had tried, in vain, to make it mandatory for candidates to produce a Scheduled Tribe certificate when filing their nominations; however, the High Court ruled that the GHADC had not followed prescribed procedures when making the new rule. The attempt by two non-tribal politicians to file their nominations last Monday sparked the violence in Garo Hills.
In his letter to GHADC Chairman, Albinush stated that he resigned from his post on moral grounds.
According to him, during the course of his tenure the Executive Committee had taken steps to pass and implement necessary rules, regulations and laws as demanded by the people of Garo Hills, with the objective of protecting their rights, customs and interests.
“Several initiatives and developmental measures were undertaken with the sole intention of serving the people and strengthening the administration of the Council,” he said.
However, he admitted that some initiatives could not be fully executed as certain circumstances prevented their implementation.
MDCs from both the ruling and opposition sides had come together seeking the no confidence motion against Albinush.
Today the state cabinet decided to extend the current term of the GHADC by six months, which will give Dhormonath and his new Executive Committee some time to make an impact before elections.
The Dhormonath-led EC comprises Sanjay Koch, Stevie M Marak, Linekar K Sangma, Grahambell A Sangma, Anseng A Sangma, Henen R Sangma, Ashahel D Shira, Rakesh A Sangma, Promod Koch, Arbinstone B Marak, Sengchim N Sangma, Sengbath R Marak, Nehru D Sangma, Crozier G Momin, Aldo A Sangma, Cherack W Momin, Rinaldo K Sangma, Perdinand D Shira, Alphonsius R Marak and Agasi R Marak.
