Shillong: Tensions inside the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council nearly boiled over into a physical brawl on Friday. GNC member Nikman Ch. Marak and TMC member Alphonsush R. Marak squared off after a heated debate regarding a proposed amendment to Rule 128 of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts rules. The proposal aims to limit voting in future council elections to Scheduled Tribe electors only.
Video footage caught the two men shouting and lunging at each other before other members forced them apart. The fight stems from a long-standing dispute over who deserves credit for pushing the voting restriction. Bernard N. Marak, a BJP member, claimed Nikman objected to the current administration taking credit, arguing that the effort belonged to NGO leaders who previously faced jail time for the cause.
Opposition members pushed to bring the amendment to the floor, questioning why the extension granted until August 10, 2026, remained unnotified until the final hour. Tempers rose further as members traded barbs regarding alleged corruption within the previous Executive Committee. The current administration and TMC members allegedly ignored demands to discuss the issue openly.
Alphonsush R. Marak defended the administration afterward. He stated, "The issue should have been discussed peacefully." He blamed the opposition for playing politics with a problem that has persisted for 74 years. The Chairman confirmed the House will take up the proposal for formal consideration when it reconvenes this coming Monday.
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