SHILLONG, MAR 10: Social activist Cherian Momin on Tuesday petitioned the Meghalaya government to temporarily “recall” the GHADC election schedule, citing the grave and deteriorating law and order in Garo Hills region.
In a memorandum to the Commissioner & Secretary in-charge District Council Affairs (DCA), Momin said continued polling activity may further aggravate tensions under the present climate and requested deployment of more state and Central Armed Police Forces, an authoritative clarification on the Council’s constitutional framework, and a government‑facilitated peace dialogue between communities.
He referred to the deaths of two persons at Chibinang due to police firing, arsons at Chibinang Bazar, vehicles torched in Tura and district administration imposing of a curfew and requested for an army flag march saying “These developments clearly demonstrate that the region is presently experiencing a serious law and order crisis marked by communal tension, destruction of property, casualties, and large-scale security restrictions. Under such circumstances, the continuation of the electoral process may further aggravate tensions and create additional risks to public safety.”
“If the electoral process proceeds in a volatile environment, it may undermine the credibility of the democratic exercise,” he wrote.
He said the current situation has also given rise to considerable confusion and competing interpretations regarding the constitutional provisions governing the functioning of the autonomous district council (ADC) system under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.
“In order to address these concerns, it is respectfully requested that the DCA department issue a comprehensive and authoritative clarification expalining the legal framework governing the GHADC elections and the constitutional safeguards relating to the powers and jurisdiction of the district council,” Momin said.
“Furthermore, in the interest of restoring communal harmony and preventing further escalation, it is earnestly requested that the government facilitate a peace meeting between representatives of both communities, involving civil society organizations, traditional leaders, community elders, and administrative authorities. Constructure dialogue under the guidance of the government would help address grievances, dispel misunderstandings, and reaffirm the commitment of all stakeholders toward peaceful coexistence,” he added further.
Also Read: Two killed in police firing during night curfew in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills
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