Several prominent groups from Garo Hills have urged the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) authorities to follow through on various pending demands related to the reformation of the GHADC. In a joint memorandum submitted to GHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Dhormonath Sangma, the local groups lauded the current Executive Committee for enacting the GHADC Service Rules and introducing an online portal for all financial transactions. The groups, which include the Association for Democracy and Empowerment (ADE), A’chik Holistic and Awakening Movement (AHAM), A’chik Youth Welfare Organisation (AYWO), Federation for A’chik Freedom (FAF), Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), and Garo Students’ Union (GSU), emphasized that similar reformative steps are also needed to be taken.
They raised the issue of the Separate Electoral Roll, reiterating its importance to the indigenous people of Garo Hills. The joint memorandum stated that the fundamental objective of GHADC is to preserve the unique way of life, traditions, customs, and cultural heritage of the indigenous people. Maintaining the sanctity of this institution is therefore paramount.
The demand for a separate electoral roll comprising only tribal members reflects the genuine aspirations of the people. The groups are aware that a committee has been constituted to examine this matter and look forward to witnessing the passage of this historic legislation at the earliest possible opportunity. The local groups also raised the issue of the Codification of Garo Customary Law.
They urged the CEM’s office to initiate necessary consultations regarding the contents of the proposed Bill with all relevant stakeholders and arrive at consensual resolutions acceptable to all sections of society. The groups urged the CEM’s office to undertake the needful and facilitate the passage of the Garo Customary Law.
