TURA, Oct 16: The Governor’s assent to the Scheduled Election Register (SER) Bill has been hailed as a major milestone in the Achik community’s campaign to safeguard indigenous representation in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). But the celebrations in Tura on Friday were accompanied by a pressing demand: hold council elections without further delay.
The Nangrimgimin A’chik Dol (NAD) organised a gathering under the theme “MIKGAOANI SAL”, bringing together civil society organisations, village leaders, departmental heads, senior citizens and members of the Achik community to celebrate the development and renew calls for the timely restoration of an elected council.
Speaking to Hub News, NAD president David Ch. Marak said the gathering was organised to acknowledge the collective efforts of organisations and community members who had campaigned to protect indigenous political representation in the GHADC.
Marak described the Governor’s assent to the SER Bill as a significant achievement, saying the occasion provided an opportunity to bring together those who had contributed to the campaign.
He said the theme reflected the community’s determination to protect its traditions, land and political rights, amid longstanding concerns over non-tribal participation in GHADC elections.
“We are happy that the Governor has given assent to the SER Bill. This programme was organised to celebrate our achievement and thank everyone who stood with us,” Marak said.
He added that the gathering had been arranged at short notice following the Governor’s assent, but the participation of various organisations and community representatives reflected a shared commitment to the interests of Garo Hills.
Election timeline now takes centre stage
With the SER Bill milestone celebrated, the focus has shifted to the conduct of GHADC elections, with NAD warning that any further extension of the council’s term would prolong the wait for an elected body.
Marak said the authorities must expedite the remaining formalities, particularly the delimitation process and the necessary legislative steps, to ensure that the elections are held within the prescribed timeframe.
Recalling a recent visit to the delimitation office, he said the organisations had been informed that documents could be submitted on the 12th, with the process continuing until the 18th. He urged the authorities to use the available time to convene a special session and pass the required bill so that the election process could move forward.
“The time is very tight. They should act quickly and complete the necessary procedures so that the election can be held on time. This is what the NGOs and the Achik people are demanding,” he said.
Marak expressed concern that the council’s term had already been extended and that a further six-month extension could delay elections even more.
He argued that once the council’s term expires, its elected members should step down and the administration should take over rather than allowing repeated extensions.
“If their term has ended, they should resign and hand over the administration. Otherwise, what work can they continue to do after their term is over?” he said.
He urged the authorities to complete the outstanding procedures without allowing the SER and delimitation processes to become grounds for further postponement.
NAD warns of further action
Marak said the organisations would continue pressing for elections within the stipulated timeframe and approach the civil administration if another extension were granted.
“The people have waited long enough. If the election is extended again, we will submit our demand to the civil administration. The election must be conducted without further delay,” he said.
The demand for timely polls added a note of urgency to Friday’s gathering, which combined celebration of the SER Bill with discussions on the future of the council and the restoration of elected representation.
Civil society leaders join gathering
The programme began with an opening prayer by Tenbirth Ch. Marak, followed by a welcome address by NAD president David Ch. Marak and an exhortation by Rev. Insting C. Marak. Jaynie Ningring N. Sangma chaired the gathering.
Among those who addressed the gathering were Roy Kuper Synrem, chairman of COMSO; Tengsak G. Momin, president of GSU (CEC); Balkarin Ch. Marak, chairman of GSMC; Tengrak R. Marak, president of NGCO; Slang Goera, president of GES; and Salsam R. Marak, president of AAYF. A representative of the Nokma Sani Union also spoke.
Special songs by Asia Jakomi R. Sangma, Balan D. Sangma and Ringman R. Marak added to the celebrations.
Johny A. Marak, general secretary (Fields and Operations) of ACHIK, presented a brief historical account of the campaign for mandatory Scheduled Tribe certificates and the SER. Ajay Marak of the Senior Citizens Forum felicitated the Matgriks.
A public engagement session chaired by Balkarin Ch. Marak featured discussions on the possibility of another six-month extension of the GHADC term and the adoption of public resolutions.
Flag march takes celebration through Tura
The gathering was followed by the “Mikgaoani Sal” flag march, which took the celebration through several parts of Tura.
Beginning at the Matchakolgre Lower Primary School playground, the march proceeded towards Araimile and Hawakhana before passing through Babupara to Tura Bazar. Participants then moved towards Kabul Bazar before returning through Hawakhana and Araimile to the starting point.
The march served as a public expression of the community’s celebration of the SER Bill while reiterating its demand for elections to be held without further delay.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by L. K. Sangna, general secretary of NAD, and Francis C. Marak, president of ADIL, followed by a closing prayer by Rev. Ringrang D. Shira.
Marak thanked the participating organisations, community members and media representatives, expressing hope that the cooperation demonstrated at the gathering would continue in future initiatives concerning the land and people of Garo Hills.
Also Read: Bike rally, art and food contests mark West Khasi Hills’ 50th anniversary
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