SHILLONG, MAR 24: The Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP) has welcomed the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council’s (GHADC) decision to bar non-tribals from contesting council elections, calling it a historic safeguard for indigenous identity, and urged the other two district councils in Khasi and Jaintia Hills region to adopt similar measures.
In a statement Tuesday, FKJGP president Dundee Cliff Khongsit thanked GHADC members for unanimously passing the resolution.
“We extend special gratitude to all GHADC MDCs who united with one purpose and passed the resolution to prevent non-tribals from contesting elections, which is a right specially guaranteed to tribal people under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution,” he said.
The FKJGP also expressed appreciation to the Meghalaya government and Governor CH Vijayashankar for endorsing the move, noting that the decision followed widespread public agitation in the Garo Hills.
“The state government and the Governor were ready to accept and grant approval to the genuine demands of the Garo tribal people,” Khongsit said.
Turning to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), the federation urged them to act swiftly.
“This is the right time for KHADC and JHADC to take the same steps, just as GHADC has done, to protect tribal rights and prevent outsiders from encroaching on the identity of our own land and customs,” Khongsit stated.
Warning that failure to strengthen laws would leave indigenous communities vulnerable, he said, “If non-tribals continue to take over our institutions through business and commerce, and if we also allow them to take over self-governance, then it will mark the end of our future.”
The FKJGP expressed confidence that the state government and Governor would act impartially to uphold tribal rights across Meghalaya. It also commended the FKJGP Garo Hills Zone, led by President Pritam Arengh, and allied organizations for their persistent advocacy, and acknowledged the support of tribal communities from the Garo Hills.
The federation called on KHADC and JHADC to convene special sessions to amend their autonomous district rules, stressing, “Outsiders should not be given any chance to dilute the sanctity of indigenous institutions.”
By Our Reporter
