Tura, Jan 10: The Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC), Central Executive Committee, on Saturday adopted a series of far-reaching resolutions aimed at regulating the presence and activities of non-tribals in Garo Hills, including Tura town, during a meeting held at its headquarters in Tura.

According to a press release issued by the GSMC, the meeting was chaired by Acting Chairman Balkaran Ch. Marak and attended by Nokmas, civil society leaders, representatives of various organisations and senior citizens. Several resolutions were discussed in detail and unanimously adopted.

Among the key decisions, the GSMC resolved that non-tribals shall not be permitted to engage in business activities within Tura or enter the Garo Hills region. The committee also resolved that non-tribals would not be allowed to work under the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), Tura, a resolution that was collectively endorsed by Nokmas, senior citizens and other stakeholders.

On documentation issues, the GSMC resolved that residents of A·chik A·song or Sixth Schedule areas may obtain Election Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) only between the ages of 18 and 20. For non-tribals residing in Garoland, such EPIC cards would be valid for a period of two years only. Additionally, non-tribals may obtain Aadhaar cards for their children only between the ages of three and eight, after which Aadhaar registration would not be permitted.

The committee also took a strong stand on governance and land-related matters, resolving that violations of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 2016 would not be tolerated and that offenders should face legal consequences. It further resolved to oppose the implementation of municipalities in Garo Hills, citing constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule and Article 243(ZC).

Expressing concern over the collection of a one percent charge by the GHADC on house construction in rural and urban areas, the GSMC demanded that such collections be revoked immediately for tribal Garos.

The committee also resolved that A·chik Me·chik individuals married outside the tribe, A·king Nokmas and certain civil society members should not be permitted to reside within the Garo community. In another resolution, it called for the cancellation of No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) issued to non-tribals conducting business in Tura.

With the upcoming GHADC elections in view, the GSMC resolved that non-tribals shall neither be eligible to vote nor contest as Members of District Council (MDCs). It further resolved that all government and development contracts across Garo Hills should be awarded exclusively to tribal Garos, urging authorities to cancel existing non-tribal contracts. As per the State Reservation Policy (SRP), the committee reiterated that tribal Garos must receive priority in contracts, employment, education and business opportunities.

The meeting was attended by Rongkhon Songital Nokmas, the Tura Akongre Nokma, leaders of the New Tura Development Forum, representatives of the Tura Unit of the All India Garo Union (AIGU), the A·chik State People’s Front (ASPF), the All A·chik Youth Welfare (AAYWS) and other respected dignitaries.

The GSMC stated that all resolutions were discussed in detail and adopted unanimously.

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