Shillong, December 16 : NPP leader and Cabinet Minister Timothy D. Shira on Tuesday defended the long-standing practice of allowing non-tribals to vote and contest elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), saying the tradition has continued since the council’s inception. Speaking to the media, Shira said he believes non-tribals will be permitted to participate in the upcoming GHADC elections as well, citing historical precedent.
He attributed the practice to what he described as the “spirit of brotherhood and sharing” among leaders who fought together during the independence era, which, he said, shaped inclusive participation in GHADC polls. Shira maintained that while GHADC was established primarily for tribal communities, earlier leaders sought to include non-tribals living in the Garo Hills region. He said this spirit of inclusion is also reflected in the nomination of non-tribal minorities, mentioning Nepalis being nominated on a minority basis.
At the same time, Shira acknowledged that the issue may need reconsideration in the present context, noting that the autonomous council framework is meant for tribals. “Tribals should have the right and non-tribals have no say on it,” he said, while also clarifying that he was not directly advocating for non-tribals to be granted voting rights.
