Shillong, August 14: Rongrong MDC Rinaldo K. Sangma has urged the Voice of the People Party (VPP) to exercise restraint in its comments on the proposed electoral roll for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), warning that sensitive political statements could create unnecessary divisions among Meghalaya’s tribal communities.
Reacting to a statement reportedly issued by VPP Garo Hills President K.N. Marak, Sangma said political parties have every right to express their views on tribal identity, electoral rights and issues concerning the Sixth Schedule.
However, he stressed that such matters should be discussed responsibly, taking into account Meghalaya’s social and historical realities.
Sangma rejected the suggestion that the inclusion of members of other Scheduled Tribe communities in the GHADC electoral roll would dilute the identity or political rights of the Garo people.
He pointed out that Khasi, Jaintia and other recognised Scheduled Tribe communities residing in Garo Hills have long participated in the GHADC electoral process.
Likewise, Garos and members of other tribal communities have participated in elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and other autonomous institutions.
“The Sixth Schedule is intended to protect tribal self-governance and political representation. It should not be interpreted in a manner that creates hostility between Meghalaya’s indigenous tribal communities,” Sangma said.
He maintained that questions relating to the electoral roll should be addressed through constitutional provisions, the Sixth Schedule, applicable electoral rules and established legislative procedures, rather than through rhetoric that could sow political discord or communal disharmony.
Describing Meghalaya as a state founded on the protection of tribal interests, Sangma said all recognised Scheduled Tribe communities enjoy constitutional and democratic rights within the state’s autonomous institutions.
He appealed to the VPP leadership to exercise greater caution while commenting on sensitive issues and avoid creating the impression that the political participation of one tribal community threatens the democratic rights of another.
Sangma said any resolution to the issue should be based on constitutional legality, consultation and mutual respect, while safeguarding peace and unity among Meghalaya’s indigenous communities.
