SHILLONG: Following a group clash in Garo Hills in Meghalaya on Monday, social activist Cherian Momin on Tuesday petitioned the Meghalaya government to temporarily recall the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) election schedule, citing the grave and deteriorating law and order situation in the Garo Hills region.
In a memorandum to the Commissioner and Secretary in charge District Council Affairs, Momin said continued polling activity may further aggravate tensions under the present climate and requested deployment of more state and Central Armed Police Forces, an authoritative clarification on the Council’s constitutional framework, and a government facilitated peace dialogue between communities.
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He referred to the deaths of two persons at Chibinang due to the alleged police firing, arson at Chibinang Bazar, vehicles torched in Tura and the district administration imposing curfew. He also requested an army flag march, stating that these developments clearly demonstrate that the region is presently experiencing a serious law and order crisis marked by communal tension, destruction of property, casualties, and large-scale security restrictions. Under such circumstances, the continuation of the electoral process may further aggravate tensions and create additional risks to public safety.
“If the electoral process proceeds in a volatile environment, it may undermine the credibility of the democratic exercise,” he wrote.
He said the current situation has also given rise to considerable confusion and competing interpretations regarding the constitutional provisions governing the functioning of the autonomous district council system under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.
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“In order to address these concerns, it is requested that the District Council Affairs department issue a comprehensive and authoritative clarification explaining the legal framework governing the GHADC elections and the constitutional safeguards relating to the powers and jurisdiction of the district council,” Momin said.
He further requested that, in the interest of restoring communal harmony and preventing further escalation, the government facilitate a peace meeting between representatives of both communities involving civil society organisations, traditional leaders, community elders and administrative authorities. Constructive dialogue under the guidance of the government would help address grievances, dispel misunderstandings and reaffirm the commitment of all stakeholders toward peaceful coexistence, he added.