Shillong, Apr 4: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, seeking urgent intervention to safeguard electoral integrity and protect tribal rights in the Jaintia Hills region.

In the memorandum, the union called for amendments to the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous District Council Rules, 1951 to make Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates mandatory for all candidates and voters participating in the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) elections.

“This measure is proposed to ensure that both candidates and voters are bona fide indigenous inhabitants of the Jaintia Hills region,” the memorandum stated.

The JSU also demanded amendments to Rule 8 and Rule 128 of the existing regulations to restrict eligibility for contesting JHADC elections exclusively to indigenous tribal individuals.

Expressing concern over demographic changes, the union highlighted the increasing presence of non-tribal populations and voters in areas such as Lad Rymbai and Lakroh. It linked this trend to coal mining activities and alleged illegal influx.

Furthermore, the memorandum called for the immediate implementation of a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the Jaintia Hills, citing similar exercises conducted in West Bengal.

“These measures are essential to uphold democratic principles, ensure electoral transparency, and preserve the identity and rightful representation of the indigenous tribal population,” the memorandum added.