Photo Courtesy: nenow
Shillong: Calls are mounting for the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to mandate Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates for all election candidates. This push follows a recent amendment approved by Governor C.H. Vijayashankar for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), which effectively limits participation in those polls to tribal candidates.
Former KHADC Chief Executive Member Bindo Lanong supports adopting a similar requirement to safeguard the rights of indigenous communities. He pointed to historical instances where non-tribal representatives won seats in areas like Laban-Mawprem and Laitumkhrah, arguing that the GHADC amendment serves as a necessary model for legislative reform.
Legal expert Erwin K. Syiem Sutnga noted that past committees have already studied this proposal and recommended restricting candidacy to indigenous groups, including the Khasi and Jaintia people. He emphasized the need for unity among political leaders to address these issues, stating, "Issues concerning the state's larger interests should be addressed through a collective approach."
Current Laban-Mawprem MDC Ricky Shullai indicated that the status of potential amendments to Rule 128 remains uncertain. He expects the topic to be a point of discussion during the council's budget session beginning this Wednesday.
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