Tura: Thousands of people gathered in Tura on Monday outside the NPP office after the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) approved the amendment mandating Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates for candidates contesting MDC elections.
The announcement was made by Minister Marcuise Marak in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, all MDCs during the Special Session on Monday, and other senior party leaders.
The move follows intense opposition from various sections of society against the participation of non-tribal candidates in GHADC elections.
Garo Hills had witnessed significant unrest between March 9 and 12 after non-tribal candidates filed nominations for the MDC polls. In response to the situation, the state government has postponed the election, extending the council’s term by six months.
Amid the developments, GHADC MDCs also submitted a no-confidence communication to the Governor against former Chief Executive Member (CEM) Albinush R Marak, leading to the appointment of Dermonath Ch Sangma as the new CEM.
Subsequently, the Governor directed GHADC to convene a two-day special session to deliberate on the issue. The session, which commenced Saturday, approved the amendment requiring ST certification for all MDC candidates.
The proposed amendment will now be sent to the Governor for assent before it comes into effect.
