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Meghalaya Postpones Garo Hills Council Polls Amid Tensions, Two Dead

The Meghalaya government has postponed the April 10 elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma cited the prevailing situation and public sentiments as the reason for the delay. The decision follows violent clashes over the nomination process that resulted in two deaths and led to a curfew in parts of West Garo Hills. Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong clarified that amending ADC rules is a public aspiration and defended the government, stating the council has its own executive and judicial authority.

Key Points: Meghalaya Postpones Garo Hills ADC Elections

  • Elections postponed over security concerns
  • Two fatalities reported in West Garo Hills
  • Curfew imposed in 37 villages
  • Public aspiration to amend ADC rules cited
3 min read

Meghalaya govt postpones Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections citing prevailing situation

Meghalaya govt postpones Garo Hills council polls citing public sentiment & security after clashes. Two dead, curfew imposed. Details inside.

"Keeping the current prevailing situation... the government has decided to postpone the elections. - Conrad K Sangma"

Shillong, March 12

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced that the state government has decided to postpone the April 10 elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, citing the current prevailing situation in Garo Hills and keeping the sentiments of the people in mind.

Sangma said the state government will sit and decide on how to further take the procedure forward.

"Keeping the current prevailing situation in Garo Hills right now and keeping the sentiments of the people in mind, the government of Meghalaya has decided to postpone the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections. We will sit and decide on how to further take this procedure forward. But till then, the decision has been made to postpone the elections," Sangma said in a video message.

The announcement comes amid heightened political and security concerns in the Garo Hills region, with the state government prioritising public sentiments and the prevailing situation before proceeding with the electoral process.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong explained that the AD (Autonomous District) rules apply only to the respective district councils, and the aspiration of the public in Garo Hills is to amend these rules.

"The AD (Autonomous District) rules apply only to the respective district councils. For Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills, we have AD rules. But at this juncture, what happened was, in the Garo Hills district council, it seems the aspiration of the public is to amend the rules of the ADC (Autonomous District Council), which has been followed all these years by the people of the Garo Hills sector," Tynsong told reporters.

When asked if it was a failure of the government to ensure that such violence occurred, Tynsong rejected the blame, stating that the district council has full authority with judicial and executive powers.

"You can't blame the government. Because this is fully the authority of the district council, as I said, they have judicial power and also they have executive power. More or less like the state government or the central government. So you can't say that the government's failure is that. They should have had a special session if they already knew it. Why didn't they discuss the issue? Therefore, even from the government side, we have no role to play. In fact, they're the leaders. They know where to amend," Tynsong said.

The authorities confirmed on Tuesday that two people have already died in the West Garo Hills district amid tensions over the nomination process for the GHADC elections.

The clashes reportedly occurred between tribal and non-tribal groups in connection with the GHADC elections. In response, the district administration imposed a curfew for 12 hours under Section 163 of the BNSS in 37 villages across the district.

The elections were originally scheduled to be held on April 10.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Postponing elections is a serious step. While I understand the need for calm, there must be a clear timeline and plan. The Deputy CM's statement about the government having "no role to play" seems like passing the buck. The state government has a responsibility to ensure governance functions smoothly, even for autonomous bodies.
P
Priya S
This is so sad. Two lives lost over an election? 😔 The tribal vs non-tribal tensions in the North East are complex, but violence is never the answer. The curfew is needed, but a long-term solution is needed. Maybe amending the ADC rules, as mentioned, is the key to peace.
V
Vikram M
Autonomous District Councils are meant to empower local tribes, but if the rules are causing conflict, they must be reviewed. The postponement gives a chance for dialogue. Hope the leaders in Garo Hills use this time wisely and listen to the "aspiration of the public."
A
Aman W
The situation sounds very tense. Jai Hind. Our government must handle the North Eastern states with great care and sensitivity. Postponement is better than holding elections in an atmosphere of fear and violence. Security for all citizens is paramount.
N
Nikhil C
While safety is important, indefinite postponement sets a bad precedent. What is the "prevailing situation"? Needs more clarity. Political stability requires timely elections. Hope the "sit and decide" meeting happens soon and a new date is announced.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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