Leader of opposition, Dr. Mukul Sangma has said that the founding fathers of the State had reasons to provide space to accommodate non-tribals in the electoral process to the Garo Hill Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
“We are following the foundation which has been laid by them. And that very foundation has created that whole space for everybody and that has united the State. It has created a situation where there is a sense of oneness and the sense of belongingness and that spirit is very crucial for us to take care of everyone,” Dr. Sangma said.
According to him, there is no harm in discussing (participation of non-tribals) in the GHADC polls.
But, Dr. Sangma said that he would like to see that unless there is a decision taken in sync with the Constitution and law of the land, nobody should be seen to impose their might upon the people.
“I want to make abundantly clear that nobody should be given the reason to believe that they can take law into their own hands and dictate what they want. That is why deliberations and discussion and not imposition of one’s idea (is needed),” he said.
It may be mentioned that there are provisions in the Garo Hills Autonomous District (Constitution of District Council) Rules, 1951 which allows the non-tribals to contest the elections.
The indigenous groups in Garo Hills region are against non-tribals participating in the electoral process to the GHADC.
Groups have also warned both national and regional parties in Garo Hills, asking them to not give party tickets to non-tribal candidates for the upcoming elections.
