Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday announced the postponement of elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) and called for all political parties and stakeholders to come together to address the prevailing challenges, emphasizing the need for collective dialogue and peaceful resolution at a critical juncture for the state. Speaking amid mounting unrest in parts of Garo Hills following recent incidents linked to the MDC elections, he said, “At this critical juncture I appeal to all our citizens of Meghalaya especially Garo Hills to maintain peace and law and order. Based on the prevailing situation Government has decided to cancel / postpone the elections to the GHADC. Further we will be calling all political parties and stake holders to discuss the different issues and try and work out a solutions taking everyone onboard … once again I urge citizens to pray and maintain peace.”
The Chief Minister’s statement came as widespread concern grew over the law and order situation, which has prompted urgent discussions among elected representatives, political parties, and civil society groups to chart a path forward.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and former Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma underlined the importance of unity and collaborative problem-solving to restore normalcy in the region. “I sincerely make this appeal that we all put our heads together to find answers to all the problems before us and at the very outset it is very important for all of us to collectively endeavours to restore normalcy and peace. The development that has unfolded in Garo Hills has been very disturbing and I have just spoken to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma over phone we had telephonic discussion, I have suggested and made an appeal that he should immediately call a meeting inviting all the elected representatives and all the leaders of various civil society organisations, and see that we put our heads together to come out with a solution, a solution to a very important issues before State, before the people of Garo Hills and see that we collectively come up with an answer to this very crucial issue which needs to be resolved,” he said.
