States » EastPosted at: Oct 8 2026 1:41PM


Meghalaya : GSMC condemns GHADC term extension, demands council polls

Tura, Oct 7 (UNI) The Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC), a prominent socio-political organisation in Meghalaya, has strongly condemned the state government's decision to grant a second six-month extension to the term of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
In a statement issued on Thursday, GSMC Co-Chairman Junestremy R Marak termed the second extension of the GHADC's term “unwarranted, unjustified and contrary to the spirit of democratic governance.”
He said the committee strongly objected to what it described as undue interference by the state government in the electoral process of the GHADC.
“The constitutional status and autonomous character of the GHADC must be respected, and its democratic functioning must not be undermined through repeated extensions of its elected tenure,” the GSMC Co-Chairman said.
“Such repeated extension to be detrimental to the democratic aspirations of the people and calls upon the State Government to refrain from any further interference or delay in the electoral process,” Marak added.
On Wednesday, the State Cabinet approved a six-month extension of the GHADC's term, stating that the process of delimitation and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to conduct the polls are still underway.
The GHADC’s earlier six-month extension is due to expire on October 17. The original election date had been postponed following communal violence in Garo Hills ahead of polling in March.
However, the GSMC leader argued that there is no compelling or reasonable justification for repeatedly extending the tenure of an elected autonomous institution, particularly when preparations to conduct the polls are already underway.
Nonetheless, the GSMC acknowledged that the first extension was considered in the context of addressing certain important issues and demands raised in relation to the GHADC election.
Among the significant developments were the introduction of the mandatory requirement of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates for candidates contesting for the office of Member of District Council (MDC) and the consideration of a Separate Electoral Roll.
It appreciated the positive decisions taken by the GHADC Executive Committee in this regard and the subsequent approval accorded by the Governor.
Referring to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Meghalaya High Court, filed by Nilbath Ch. Marak, the Marak said the GSMC has taken note of the positive direction of the High Court concerning the conduct of the GHADC election on the basis of the Delimitation Committee’s report.
“This development, in the view of the GSMC, has further strengthened the basis for proceeding with the electoral process without any further postponement,” he said.
The GSMC further stated that its representatives held discussions with the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the GHADC and the Delimitation Committee on October 6 and 7, 2026.
During these discussions, Marak it was conveyed that the Delimitation Committee is prepared to submit its report on October 12.
At the same time, the tenure of the present GHADC Executive Committee is due to conclude on or around October 17–18.
In view of these circumstances, he said the GSMC has urged the competent Election Commission/Election Authority to take immediate and necessary measures to conduct the GHADC election at the earliest possible date and to ensure that the democratic mandate of the people is not further delayed.
The GSMC further reiterated that Meghalaya is home to its indigenous tribal communities, including the Garos, Khasis and Jaintias, and that the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council has been functioning as an autonomous institution under the Sixth Schedule framework since 1952.
The GSMC has urged the State government and all competent authorities to take immediate, transparent and lawful measures to facilitate the conduct of the GHADC election and to restore the democratic mandate of the people at the earliest.
“If the government fails to take appropriate action and provide the necessary response, the GSMC shall be compelled to initiate further democratic, constitutional, and lawful courses of action to safeguard the democratic rights, constitutional interests, and aspirations of the people of Garo Hills,” Marak cautioned. UNI RRK AAB
Tags: #Meghalaya : GSMC condemns GHADC term extension# demands council polls
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