Shillong, Mar 12 (PTI) Meghalaya MP Saleng A Sangma on Thursday called on Governor CH Vijaya Shankar to discuss the fallout of the recent violence in the Garo Hills region that left two persons dead, and measures required to restore peace and normalcy.
The Tura MP said the discussions focused on analysing the issues that triggered the recent unrest in view of the non-tribals participating in the tribal council electoral process and finding ways to address them through dialogue and proper constitutional procedures.
Two persons were killed in police firing at Chibinang in West Garo Hills on early Tuesday during clashes that erupted amid protests by sections of the Garo community against the attempt of non-Garo candidates in the filing of nominations for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHACD) election.
Several incidents of arson, assault on civilians and the gathering of large crowds were reported in Tura and other locations across the region, comprising five districts.
The Meghalaya High Court, on Tuesday, struck down a notification making Scheduled Tribe certificates compulsory for filing nominations for the GHACD polls that led to the violence.
The notification sought to bar non-tribals from contesting the GHADC elections in a departure from the practice that continued for over seven decades.
The MP said, “The governor and I discussed the developments in the Garo Hills region and the concerns that have arisen following the recent incidents. The objective is to carefully analyse the issue that cropped up and find a way forward so that peace and normalcy can return to the region.” Sangma told PTI that the conversation also touched upon matters related to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, particularly in connection with the controversy over the participation of non-tribals in the GHADC elections.
“The governor emphasised that when any legislation or notification is issued, it must strictly follow the laid-down rules and procedures under the Sixth Schedule. If there are procedural lapses, those should be corrected through proper legal and constitutional means,” the MP said.
Sangma said concerns regarding the alleged infiltration of Bangladesh nationals, including Rohingyas, into the state were also discussed during the meeting.
“We also spoke about the issue of illegal infiltration. There are concerns among local communities about Bangladeshi nationals entering the state illegally. Strengthening vigilance and ensuring better border and internal security mechanisms are important to address these concerns,” he said.
The MP further said he urged authorities to ensure the safety of people who have been facing threats amid the tension in the region.
“I have requested that security be strengthened for individuals and communities who feel threatened in the current situation. The safety of citizens must be ensured so that people can live without fear,” Sangma said.
Appealing for calm, he said the state government, police and church leaders had acted responsibly during the unrest and played a crucial role in preventing further escalation.
“The government, the police administration and church leaders have handled the situation with maturity. Their intervention has helped maintain stability, and we must continue working together to normalise the situation, especially when many youths are agitated over the recent developments,” Sangma added. PTI JOP NN
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