Tura, November 4: The Garo Hills Independent Movement Forum (GHICMF) has demanded the immediate dissolution of the Executive Committee (EC) of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), alleging that its continuation beyond the extended term is contrary to the law.

Speaking to the media, GHICMF spokesperson Clinton R. Marak said the Executive Committee cannot be allowed to continue in office under the pretext of postponing the GHADC elections for delimitation.

Marak acknowledged that the Governor had extended the term of the MDCs for a period of six months but argued that the extension did not provide any legal provision for the Executive Committee to continue functioning beyond its tenure.

He alleged that the EC’s activities following the Governor’s extension were contrary to the Governor’s order and the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

“Even if the District Council election cannot be held at present, the Governor must look into this matter himself and bring Administrator’s Rule. If this is not done, the outgoing MDCs will continue to misuse the Council’s bills and funds,” Marak said.

The Forum demanded that the Governor take direct control of the GHADC and introduce Administrator’s Rule if elections cannot be conducted within the stipulated period.

It also questioned whether the ruling coalition was deliberately delaying the elections to remain in power and sought clarification on whether the NPP-led state government was involved in the matter.

“To hide something, the Coalition Party MDCs are trying to avoid the election by keeping themselves in power. Is the NPP Government also involved in this? Therefore, the EC must be dissolved immediately,” the Forum stated.

GHICMF further warned that allowing the Executive Committee to continue without legal authority could create serious problems for the Garo people, urging the Governor to intervene without further delay.

By Tatu R. Marak