Shillong, Mar 12: Tura MP Saleng A Sangma today met Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar to discuss the situation in Garo Hills.
“We discussed how to restore peace among all the turmoil,” Sangma, of the Congress Party, said after the meeting.
When asked what was the view of the Governor on participation of non-tribals in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, which led to the destructive and deadly violence, he said that Vijayashankar stressed on the importance of “rules”.
“Had the rules been in place (to bar non-tribals) then definitely this would have not happened,” Sangma added.
According to him, the Governor wants the GHADC to be governed by its rules and procedures and for any amendments to go through the proper channels and be discussed with stakeholders.
The GHADC had tried to force through an amendment of its own, without taking on board the state government or other authority, to try and bar non-tribals from contesting the election but this move was challenged in the High Court, which struck it down.
Sangma said that the Governor is for peace and is with the people and he would look positively on whatever decisions are to be made.
According to Sangma’s view on the subject, denying non-tribals participation rights in the district council would not be a violation of their human rights.
“Sixth Schedule is a totally different structure. It has its own autonomy and therefore the district council must come up with the amendment and rule and even the electoral rolls should be framed by the district council,” he said.
The MP also said that he urged the Governor to deploy more forces in Garo Hills for the protection of tribals.
“Every citizen of Garo Hills is praying that the situation be handled in a way that it has to be and peace should be restored in our state,” Sangma said.
When asked if he would press for an inquiry into the violence that has taken place, the MP replied in the negative but said that whoever is responsible for creating this “particular situation” should take responsibility. There may have been political reasons that the violence was instigated or for some other reason, he opined.
