Shillong, Mar 25:The Khun Hynñiewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has given the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) executive committee a 10-day ultimatum to amend rules to bar non-tribal participation in the voting process, akin to what the Garo Hills ADC has done this week.
KHNAM working president Thomas Passah stated that his party has been trying to meet with the Chief Executive Member but he has been unavailable. “We have come multiple times and wanted to have a one-to-one conversation, but we have not been able to achieve that. So, we are done with paperwork; we’re giving the EC 10 days to amend AD Rule 128, Para 1, and Sub-Para 3,” Passah said, referring to the rules that govern the franchise and electoral rolls.
The GHADC this week, following weeks of pressure and an explosion in communal violence, passed an amendment to require that all candidates possess Scheduled Tribe certificates.
Passah urged the EC to call a special session and utilise the state government’s cooperation to get the amendment done.
He also praised the GHADC for doing a “very good thing” to protect the Garos’ customary practices, land and district council.
