Shillong, March 16 Amid violence in the Garo Hills region over the participation of non-tribal candidates in tribal council elections, the Meghalaya government on Monday extended the tenure of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) by six months, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said.
The decision was approved by the state Cabinet in a virtual meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Tynsong said the Cabinet met with a single-agenda focus relating to the extension of the current GHADC House.
"After detailed deliberation and discussion, the Cabinet has decided to extend the term of the current House for a period of six months, effective from April 18 to October 18, 2026," he said.
The move comes amid tensions and violence in parts of Garo Hills over the issue of participation of non-tribal candidates in the GHADC elections.
Violence erupted in Tura and adjoining areas last week after the district council issued a notification barring non-tribals from participating in the Council elections, triggering a protest by them.
Protesters clashed with security forces, several government and private properties were vandalized or set on fire, and vehicles were torched during the unrest.
At least two persons were killed during the violence, while several others were injured.
Following deterioration in the law and order situation, Sangma initially postponed the elections, scheduled to be held on April 10, with counting on April 14.
However, Monday's Cabinet decision to extend the council's tenure came hours after Albinush R Marak resigned as the chief executive member (CEM) amid a no-confidence motion by 21 members of the council.
Later in the day, the GHADC House elected Dhormonath Ch Sangma as the new CEM and constituted a fresh executive committee.
Tynsong said the government will hold consultations with stakeholders over the next six months to resolve concerns surrounding candidate eligibility and related provisions governing the council elections.
"Now we leave it to the wisdom of the new executive committee to take a call on the issue of scheduled tribe or on the issue of contesting elections, both by tribal and non-tribal, as far as GHADC is concerned," he said.
He said the six-month extension would create space for dialogue between the government, the district council and stakeholders to address the aspirations of the people.
Rejecting opposition suggestions that the extension was politically motivated, Tynsong said the government's decision was aimed at restoring normalcy and addressing the concerns of the people.