SHILLONG, MAR 24: The Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP) has welcomed the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) decision to bar non-tribals from contesting council elections, terming it a historic step to safeguard indigenous identity.
In a statement issued on 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 federation also expressed appreciation to the Meghalaya government and Governor C.H. Vijayashankar for endorsing the move, noting that the decision followed widespread public agitation in the Garo Hills region.
“The state government and the Governor were ready to accept and grant approval to the genuine demands of the Garo tribal people,” Khongsit added.
Turning to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), the FKJGP urged both bodies to adopt similar measures without delay.
“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 land and customs,” Khongsit said.
Warning against inaction, he stated that failure to strengthen protective laws could leave indigenous communities vulnerable. “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,” he said.
The federation expressed confidence that the state government and the 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 organisations for their sustained advocacy, while acknowledging the support of tribal communities in Garo Hills.
Calling for immediate action, the FKJGP urged KHADC and JHADC to convene special sessions to amend their respective rules, asserting that “outsiders should not be given any chance to dilute the sanctity of indigenous institutions.”
