Meghalaya: Tura Protest Over GHADC Amendment

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Shillong
• Mar 23, 2026
• 781

Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the National People’s Party (NPP) office in Tura on Monday, March 23, following a contentious move by the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) to amend electoral provisions, making possession of a Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate mandatory for candidates contesting council elections.

The announcement was made by Minister Marcuise Marak in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, and other senior leaders signalling strong political backing for the decision .

The development follows a spell of unrest across the Garo Hills between March 9 and 12, triggered by the filing of nominations by non-tribal candidates for the MDC elections. In response to the tensions, the state government postponed the polls and extended the council’s tenure by six months.

Amid the escalating political flux, GHADC members also moved a no-confidence motion against former Chief Executive Member Albinush R. Marak, leading to his ouster and the subsequent appointment of Dermonath Ch. Sangma as the new Chief Executive Member.

In light of this situation , the Governor directed the council to convene a special session. During the two-day proceedings, which commenced on March 23, the council formally ratified the amendment mandating ST certification for all MDC candidates.

The amendment will now be forwarded to the Governor for assent. It will come into force only after receiving formal approval, a move that is likely to significantly recalibrate the electoral landscape and political dynamics in the Garo Hills region.