Shillong, Mar 14: The Khun Hynñiewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has expressed its support for holding of a special session of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
In addition to the GHADC, the party has urged that a special session should also be convened in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).
KHNAM leader Thomas Passah said that amending the Constitution of District Council Rules, particularly Rule 128, is crucial for ensuring fair representation in elections. He said that similar amendments are essential to address the ongoing challenges pertaining to electoral participation and to safeguard the interests of local tribal voters.
Passah pointed out the recent violent incidents in the Garo Hills due to non-tribal participation in elections, raising concerns that the Khasi Hills could experience similar unrest without decisive action.
KHNAM has been advocating for these changes since 2014, with previous memorandums submitted on April 8, 2025, and January 12, 2026.
“We want this amendment to happen to ensure the walls of the KHADC are protected by law. We have again come with a memorandum hoping that, given what’s happening in Garo Hills, the EC will take the matter seriously,” Passah said.
Yesterday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has requested Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar to call a special session of the GHADC to discuss the amendment of council’s rules, following deadly and destructive violence in Garo Hills this past week over the issue.
