Shillong, March 11: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has expressed strong support for the ongoing movement by groups in Garo Hillsopposing the participation of settlers and non-tribal individuals in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
In a statement issued by Donald V. Thabah, General Secretary, Khasi Students’ Union, the KSU said it stands in full solidarity with the Garo community and supports their demand to prevent non-indigenous people from contesting the GHADC elections. The union also condemned incidents where settlers allegedly attempted to create unrest and intimidate the Garo community.
The KSU stated that as an organisation committed to protecting the rights of indigenous people and the Khasi community, it supports the move by the GHADC to require Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates from candidates contesting the council elections.
According to the union, allowing non-Achik individuals to participate in the GHADC elections would defeat the purpose of protecting and promoting the interests of the indigenous Garo community. It said non-tribal representatives may not work for the welfare of the Achik people and could become obstacles to laws intended to safeguard indigenous rights.
The KSU pointed out that Autonomous District Councils in Meghalaya, Assam, Mizoram, and Tripura were created under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to provide special protection to indigenous tribal communities within their respective territories.
The organisation argued that permitting non-indigenous people to contest elections to these councils would undermine the original objective of the Sixth Schedule, which is to protect tribal communities from domination by larger populations from outside the region.
The union also expressed concern about the increasing presence of non-indigenous people across Meghalaya, particularly in parts of Garo Hills and Hynniewtrep region, where settlers have reportedly become numerically dominant in several areas.
It further suggested that the European Wards in Shillong, where indigenous Khasi residents have become fewer, should come under the jurisdiction of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
The KSU also criticised the absence of strong laws such as the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Meghalaya, stating that this has allowed outsiders to enter and settle freely in the state.
The union pointed out that the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Migrant Workers Act, 2020 (MIRSSMWA) is too weak to regulate the influx of migrant workers. It noted that although the government promised amendments to strengthen the law in 2024, including provisions such as police verification and penalties for violators, the changes have not yet been implemented.
In conclusion, the KSU reiterated its support for organisations and the Achik community in Garo Hills, stating that their movement is aimed at protecting indigenous rights and preventing exploitation by outsiders.
The union assured the Garo community that they are not alone in their struggle, and affirmed that the KSU is ready to extend its support whenever required.
