Tura, October 17: The Nangrimgimin A’chik Dol (NAD), along with various civil society organisations and members of the A’chik community, celebrated the Governor’s assent to the Scheduled Election Register (SER) Bill in Tura on Friday, while demanding immediate steps to conduct elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) without further delay.
The celebration, held under the theme “Mikgaoani Sal”, brought together civil society leaders, village representatives, senior citizens and members of the A’chik community to mark what they described as a significant achievement in protecting indigenous political representation in the council.
Speaking to reporters, NAD president David Ch. Marak said the Governor’s assent to the Bill was the result of sustained efforts by various organisations and community members who had campaigned for the protection of indigenous political rights. He said the celebration was also an occasion to acknowledge the contributions of those involved in the movement.
However, Marak expressed concern over the delay in holding the GHADC elections and urged the authorities to expedite the delimitation process and complete all necessary legislative formalities. “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 A’chik people are demanding,” he said.
Marak suggested that a special session be convened, if necessary, to pass the required legislation and prevent further delays in the electoral process. Referring to a recent visit to the delimitation office, he said representatives of various organisations were informed that documents could be submitted from October 12 to 18.
Strongly opposing another six-month extension of the GHADC’s term, Marak said repeated extensions would only delay the restoration of elected representation. “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 questioned.
He warned that civil society organisations would continue to press for timely elections and approach the civil administration if another extension was 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 asserted.
The programme began with an opening prayer by Tenbirth Ch. Marak, followed by a welcome address by David Ch. Marak and an exhortation by Rev. Insting C. Marak. The gathering was chaired by Jaynie Ningring N. Sangma.
Among those who addressed the gathering were COMSO chairman Roy Kuper Synrem, GSU (CEC) president Tengsak G. Momin, GSMC chairman Balkarin Ch. Marak, NGCO president Tengrak R. Marak, GES president Slang Goera and AAYF president Salsam R. Marak. A representative of the Nokma Sani Union also spoke.
ACHIK general secretary (Fields and Operations) Johny A. Marak presented a brief historical account of the movement demanding mandatory Scheduled Tribe certificates and the introduction of the SER.
Ajay Marak of the Senior Citizens Forum felicitated the Matgriks, while a public engagement session chaired by Balkarin Ch. Marak discussed the possibility of another six-month extension of the GHADC’s term and the adoption of public resolutions.
The celebration also featured special songs by Asia Jakomi R. Sangma and Ringman R. Marak. Following the programme, participants took out a flag march through several parts of Tura to celebrate the Governor’s assent to the Bill and demonstrate their united demand for early GHADC elections. The march started from the Matchakolgre Lower Primary School playground and passed through Araimile, Hawakhana, Babupara, Tura Bazar and Kabul Bazar before returning to the starting point.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by NAD general secretary L. K. Sangna and ADIL president Francis C. Marak, followed by a closing prayer by Rev. Ringrang D. Shira. Marak thanked the participating organisations and community members for their support and expressed hope that the unity demonstrated during the celebration would continue in future efforts to protect the land, identity and rights of the people of Garo Hills.
