The Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, Ram Singh, convened a meeting with the representatives of the Senior Citizens Forum, church leaders, Nokma Council, Garo Graduates Union, development committee members and others in order to discuss conducting the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) in a peaceful manner.
A section of invitees, however, namely the pressure groups of Garo Hills, who are protesting the participation of non-tribals in the upcoming polls, were conspicuous by their absence.
During the meeting, Singh informed that preparations for the elections are almost complete and that polling parties will be moving to their respective polling stations from tomorrow ahead of polling day on Monday.
Further, in view of the rumour being spread through social media that some sections of society are protesting against election, the DC requested all the members to persuade the concerned groups for reconciliation and address their grievances in the right forum in a democratic manner and to allow holding of elections smoothly, adding that the mandate of the district administration is only to oversee the conduct of elections in a free and fair manner.
Moreover, he also informed that any protest which is undemocratic in nature leads to violation of fundamental rights. He also cautioned the general public to be careful since posting and sharing of any such provocative messages are being constantly monitored and any violation of the Model Code of Conduct will be viewed seriously and prosecuted under the relevant cyber laws.
Meanwhile, the Superintendent of Police, MG Ragavendra Kumar, also appealed to everyone to cooperate and support the district administration in conducting the elections smoothly and to raise their problems in the right forum.
